Semi auto ballast system

There is an DIY article on ballast systems and I have the following question.

on the one pump system how are you ensured that no air is in the bags or do you need vents of some sort ?

Thanks

The best way to go is to put a vent in each bag through the hull and use a one way check valve in line so that when the bag is full, it will overflow the water and any air out. The check valve will not allow air or water back into the bag so it keeps it air free and if you use a reversing pump, it will pump that baby dead flat.

could I tie the three vents into the bilge line and use the existing hull thru ? I would put a check valve before the vent tie in point on the bilge pump line. Also I assume I would use a smaller diameter vent line than the fill line or would this restriction over pressure/inflate the sacs ?

that doesn't sound too clear, the check valve on the bilge line before the vent line tie in would prevent back flow to the bilge pump.

do a search and you should find everything you need

There is a new ballast system kit to help DIY'ers to build an OEM level automatic ballast system:

http://www.wakeside.com/page/W/PROD/wakeboard_boat_ballast_systems/boat_ballast_v_drive_standard

Not all of the versions are up on the site yet and the images aren't up yet but will be very soon. Jason at Wakeside can answer any questions.

Jason: 1-866-925-3743 x1814