Any thought on where to buy one? I am not having any luck so far. I have heard that a valve for a sprinkler sytem will work. I purchased an Orbit brand valve. The pressure from the fat sack pump wasn't enough to make it work correctly. Anyone have a suggestion.

I use Asco Red Hat valves on my SAN. Here's a picture. <BR> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/394643.jpg" alt="Upload">

ASCO Red Hats are good switches. A number of years ago, I worked at a specialty sprayer manufacturer for the Ag business and that is what we used. They are very durable, and the manufacturer/distributor always replaced bad ones no questions asked....

I looked around on the net yesterday for these valves. Called a place in CA (valvate.com I think), they had the 3/4" normally-closed valves, but they are $117 each. OUCH! Anyone know of a cheaper source?

Is that an AC or DC solenoid? If it's DC is it a 24V or 12V? If it's a 24V how are you providing power to it? If it's AC how are you providing power to it? <BR> <BR>Chris <BR>Get the Grip you Deserve <BR><a href="http://www.wakejunky.com" target="_blank">www.wakejunky.com</a>

Lyle, <BR> <BR>Supra uses sprinkler valves in their boats. I don't know the brand off the top of my head, but useing sprinler valves will take a tad bit longer to fill b/c they won't open up fully.

I did find these guys who are about 1/2 price and 12v. <BR> <BR><a href="http://www.stcvalve.com/I-Solenoid-spec-2W-2S.htm" target="_blank">http://www.stcvalve.com/I-Solenoid-spec-2W-2S.htm</a> <BR> <BR>Chris <BR>Get the Grip you Deserve <BR><a href="http://www.wakejunky.com" target="_blank">www.wakejunky.com</a>

Thanks everyone this is great info. A heck of a lot better than what I was finding. The sprinker valves are 24 volt but will work with 12 volts. you can hear them click, and if you hook them up to house water pressure they work fine. I think the trick is finding the right one. They price about $12-18. I may stand to be corrected but I don't think with solenoids it matters if you use AC or DC. Maybe the Supra boats if anyone has one they can check . . .

IMO, you will be better off in the long run if you use 12v dc switches. If you do use the ac, they might let you down out on the lake, especially if they have pressure behind them.

<a href="http://www.phasefourindustries.com/staticpages/index.php/dm_cart" target="_blank">http://www.phasefourindustries.com/staticpages/index.php/dm_cart</a> <BR> <BR>I've got this as my main gate valve. It then runs into a 4 pump manifold. One to each rear sac and then 2 to the front bow sac.

You should keep in mind that a sprinker valve requires a certain minimum pressure to operate. The solenoid opens a tiny passage which then allows the water pressure to work against the main control diaphragm. If your ballast pump won't produce enough pressure (which is the likely case from any of the centrifugal pumps) the valve won't open. <BR> <BR>The electric valves that are intended for something other than controlling a sprinkler will have a chance of working out.

check out <a href="http://www.penvalve.com....let" target="_blank">www.penvalve.com....let</a> me know if your interested in something...wide variety in valves, fittings, etc...

Rod is right on the solenoids small opening. I work with them daily. If you are sending the wrong voltage to the coil you are to short is out and cause fuses to pop. The clicking sound that is heard js the solenoid opening and closing reapidly due to the fact that not enough voltage is supplied for the valve to remain open.