Simplified Static Ballast Blowout System

>>> Installed Simplified Static Ballast Blowout System to ballast tank

As of right now our thought is that this ballast blowout system is there for the off chance we find ourselves aground with a dropping tide or a lake/river sandbar and desire to statically remove the water ballast volume to effect a self rescue. It might come in handy.
Here are a couple photos:
This is with both the ports capped off - Image 1
Venting cap removed - Image 2
Air line adapter threaded in place - Image 3
12 VDC inflator connected - Image 4

Currently Proposed Process
- For standard ballast tank filling just open the top screw cap and then the stern ballast fill/drain valve and allow to fill normally then close valve and screw top cap back on.
- For standard ballast draining just open the top screw cap and then the stern ballast fill/drain valve and run at speed (up on plane if possible) to drain ballast or if hauling out. Close stern ballast valve and screw cap back on when ballast is empty.
- For statically blowing out ballast tank place air inflator assembly on the side port adapter, open stern ballast valve fully, turn on inflator and watch the stern ballast valve exit for bubbles, after bubbles start appearing close the gate valve plate so it is only open about 1/2 inch (DO NOT CLOSE THE VALVE FULLY!!!), when bubbles reappear and are constant close the valve and immediately turn off the inflator. Remove the air inflator assembly and replace side cap.

This is our basic setup for now. If we find we want to make the system more permanent and improve the ease of use we can use the two threaded ports to do so with either manual or solenoid valves and mount the air inflator with the remote switches on the pedestal.

Best Regards
Over Easy :-) :-)

PS: Another reason we didn’t go with an open ballast vent and hose like some have done (mind you this is just our personal preference) is the aspect with having a sealed ballast tank it can act as a “double hull” should that ever be needed. ????????

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