Question about ballast

[labguy]

Hey guys,

I just bought a 1991 Sea Ray 180 bowrider. It came with a wake board tower and when I got the boat home, I opened the ski locker and found a bladder full of water. After figuring out that it was for wakeboarding, I now want to drain it. How do I do that? I coudn't find a inlet/drain hose or pump anywhere. Do you guys have any suggestions where I could look?

 

[sebber83]

Re: Question about ballast

The previous owner could have somehow run the ballast with the bilge pump to empty it out but that is very unlikely, maybe the fill/drain valve is off to the side of the bladder or somewhere you cannot see but could feel if you check around the ballast. My ski locker ballast has its valve a little further forward in the ski locker so i have to reach for it and pull to access it.

 

[salty87]

Re: Question about ballast

if there's no hose plumbed to the sac, you'll have to drain it manually. the easiest and quickest way will be to insert a tube and syphon it over the side. the longer the hose, the faster it will drain.