Ballast connection question

(ndh2o) · (ndh2o) **Join Date: Oct 2001** 03-17-2009, 9:29 AM

I'm replacing my original center ballast sac with a somewhat newer one and they have different connections. Boat is a 2001 X-Star.

The old one had the waterbed style screw on fittings, but the newer one has the rubber barbed type fitting.

The hose will fit over the barbed connection on the sac, but I'm afraid that a hose clamp isn't the right way to fasten it on there. I think it will just deform the rubber barbed fitting, maybe I'm just over-thinking it.

Anyone know how this type of fitting should be hooked up, or if there is a quick fit connector that I can use. Thanks.

(jasonwm) · (jasonwm) **Join Date: Mar 2009** 03-17-2009, 12:19 PM

Have you already purchased the new sac? If not, I would recommend Fly High's Pro X Series Tube Sac

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You could then use 2 Fly High W737 Fittings to connect your hoses.

If you have already purchased the new bag, you should be able to put a hose clamp on to ensure a good seal between the barbs as the hose, just make sure you don't tighten to the point of collapse.

(ndh2o) · (ndh2o) **Join Date: Oct 2001** 03-17-2009, 1:44 PM

Thanks, and yes I have already purchased an OEM bag from a newer model boat.

I may try the hose clamp route, and just see how strong it holds before I run water through it.

(jasonwm) · (jasonwm) **Join Date: Mar 2009** 03-17-2009, 3:45 PM

So long as the bag is stabilized so that it can't move around, and the vent line is not obstructed at all, I doubt you'll have any problems with the hose coming lose, even if the hose clamp isn't fully tightened.

(illini88) · (illini88) **Join Date: Oct 2007** 03-17-2009, 4:05 PM

you do lose a little bit of flow, but I jammed PVC pipe directly into the hole. It works great.

(jasonwm) · (jasonwm) **Join Date: Mar 2009** 03-17-2009, 4:43 PM

That's a great idea, PVC or even copper (it's thinner walled) would be perfect for reinforcing the connection so the hose clamp doesn't collapse it.