Ballast Valves?

(crowem87) · (crowem87) **Join Date: Nov 2005** 03-31-2010, 5:28 PM

Hey everyone, I am rebuilding the ballast system in my boat. After much thought, I decided to use the Tsunami 1200 aerator pumps. The boat is a 2001 x-30. I am getting rid of the old system because most of the pumps are bad, so i am going to just run the Tsunamis and upgrade to a 1" hose to maximize flow rate. The original system in the boat used the cable-actuated ballast valves. I still have the control knob for the old set-up. My question is: Does anyone make those older style Cable-actuated valves for a 1" diameter hose? This would be my ideal setup, but i understand I may not be able to find them. If not, what have some of you others used in this situation?

Also- I was looking at buying the 1" black hose from a dealer or online but it seems to be about $2.50 a foot. Being a BCM major i started thinking and had this thought- could i use 1" diameter PEX Tubing. This stuff is everywhere in the building industry and is taking over mainstream plumbing applications over copper. I have found 100' rolls of this stuff on ebay for 80$, so its considerably cheaper. My only dilemma here is i need to figure out how to clamp it to the fittings.

Sorry for the long post but help me out here guys!

(surfdoggy) · (surfdoggy) **Join Date: Dec 2009** 03-31-2010, 6:41 PM

I have given some thought to upgrading to 1" tubing, but am concerned that the inlets to my tanks and bags are all only 3/4", so I am not sure that using 1" tubing really gets me anywhere. I researched tubing a lot, and didn't find anything as cheap as what you found. If what you found has the flexibility and kink resistance to make the curves you need to make, it sounds like a good thought.

(volzalum) · (volzalum) **Join Date: May 2009** 03-31-2010, 7:13 PM

Here is what I used:

http://www.galco.com/scripts/cgiip.e...num=81032-ELFX

(liquiddiet) · (liquiddiet) **Join Date: Feb 2009** 04-01-2010, 6:16 AM

this is what we used http://www.pyacht.com/trident-bilge-livewell-hose.htm

(crowem87) · (crowem87) **Join Date: Nov 2005** 04-01-2010, 9:35 AM

how did you clamp the pvc to the fittings Dax?

(wkbrdrchad) · (wkbrdrchad) **Join Date: Feb 2007** 04-01-2010, 10:10 AM

I used Flexible Spa Tubing and it works great. Did a quick search on Ebay and found a 50' roll for just under $50.

http://cgi.ebay.com/50-Ft-Reel-1-Inc...item23063a4b41

I know you can get this at most home improvement stores as well. Just use a heat gun ($20) and some soapy water to get it onto your fittings. I found I didn't even need hose clamps because it basically molds right to your fittings and stays tight.

(volzalum) · (volzalum) **Join Date: May 2009** 04-01-2010, 4:46 PM

I just used one inch hose barbs. The ID of the liquid tight is the same as 1 inch hose.