MacGregorSailors.com

There's no tube of any kind on an M, just the little plug in hole,with a large funnel like splash shield surrounding the hole so water doesn't run onto stored items in that compartment. I cut the funnel off and fiberglassed a simple 3/4" pvc fitting in the hole and ran the hose to the anchor locker drain hose, much more storage room in the compartmentnow with out the funnel structure,and one less thing to think about when launching those ten minute launches we all do. it's all automatic now.

I've read about that mod. It's just that from reading Dave's post, I was wondering if the newer may have that improvement. A photo would be nice to see

Ray

raycarlson wrote:There's no tube of any kind on an M, just the little plug in hole,with a large funnel like splash shield surrounding the hole so water doesn't run onto stored items in that compartment. I cut the funnel off and fiberglassed a simple 3/4" pvc fitting in the hole and ran the hose to the anchor locker drain hose, much more storage room in the compartmentnow with out the funnel structure,and one less thing to think about when launching those ten minute launches we all do. it's all automatic now.

How can you tell if the ballast tank is full?

Bob

If my understanding is correct, as long as the original vent opening is below the outside water level, and the stern valve is open, then the tank is full. At least that's how I think the physics works

Ray

When the vent tube stops blowing air, the ballast tank is full. The weight of the boat empty is sufficient to fill the tank so as long as the gate valve is open, the tank will fill completely. The only question is how long to. Leave the gate open. Five minutes is more than enough. You could put a whistle on the tube end, and when stops, the tank is done.

Our 's vent has been heavily modified. To start we have dual gate valves on the stern:


We also have the original vent plumbed into the cockpit so I can hear when the air stops gushing out of the tank. There is a dipstick tube on the original vent location just in case you don't trust the lack of air when it stops purging onto your leg LOL!


Just in case your in a really big hurry or want to get the very last bit of air from the tank you can go forward into the V-berth and open a front valve to assist in filling the ballast tank:


This vents to a covered thruhull in the front bow, which the site says I can't post a picture of due to the 3 image max...

OK, maybe it was a little overkill but it does make for a nice fast fill and dump of the ballast tank.

Sorry I use a very very high tech and expensive piece of equipment to ensure total ballast fill. While sitting in helm seat I arch my back a little and lean back while turning head sideways looking down and see if the water has stopped flowing into valve,same as I do to check if all water has stopped flowing out when draining tank,except I have to do this while moving so it is slightly more complex but has worked every time sofar.

My high tech method trumps yours--When I first board the boat I open the dump valve and close it before I leave the dock. No need to wet my finger or turn my head or listen for a whistle

Bob

bscott wrote:My high tech method trumps yours--When I first board the boat I open the dump valve and close it before I leave the dock. No need to wet my finger or turn my head or listen for a whistle

Bob

I'm too fast for that to work

mastreb wrote:

bscott wrote:My high tech method trumps yours--When I first board the boat I open the dump valve and close it before I leave the dock. No need to wet my finger or turn my head or listen for a whistle

Bob

I'm too fast for that to work

I understand they have medication for that

I understand they have medication for that

word of caution with those pills though...YT4RMV

Correct usage

CYD if you remain on plane for more than 4 hours

RobertB wrote:

mastreb wrote:

bscott wrote:My high tech method trumps yours--When I first board the boat I open the dump valve and close it before I leave the dock. No need to wet my finger or turn my head or listen for a whistle

Bob

I'm too fast for that to work

I understand they have medication for that

I'm too old to do anything prematurely.

Bob

Tube I was refering to is the PVC tube or other material that surrounds the opening to prevent over spill.
Later models X's and M have them in Vberth.
I perfer the early X were venting is done under companionway hatch and send crew member forward before closing off the 3 inch valve, burping last air out of tank. We have already 125 lbs of weight just in 2 batteries under Vberth plus storage of anchors and other stuff keeps bow down when filling ballest.
Dave

NiceAft wrote:Dave said:

The M has a tube at bow, should fill to max

What tube are you referring to I have an 05 , and the vent hole is indeed in the "V" berth area, but what tube are you reffering to Do more recent 's have this tube

By the way, which does boterjen have,an or an I'm just wondering.

Ray

I think I'm going to do a simpler mod, and just use a compression fitting with a 1" vinyl hose from the v-berth vent run back along the bilge to the stern and come out the cable raceway where the engine controls exit the transom, and put another plug on the end of the tube. Then I've got all the ballast tank controls in the same place.

Call me lazy.