Ballast System (Msx); Ballast System Maintenance - Monterey M3 Owner's Manual

Ballast System
Operating the System
The ballast pump is reversible is used to fill and
drain the ballast tank. It is controlled by the bal-
last switch in the helm switch panel. The ballast
level indicator on the starboard side of the helm
allows the operator to monitor the water level in
the ballast tank.
A full ballast tank adds considerable weight to
the forward section of the boat which moves the
center of gravity forward and can have a negative
effect on handling at high speeds. Therefore the
ballast tank should be filled to the desired level
just prior to wakeboarding or tubing operations
and pumped completely out for normal operation
or pulling skiers at high speeds.
WARNING
IN SOME HIGH SPEED SITUATIONS A FULL BALLAST TANK
CAN CAUSE BOAT HANDLING TO BECOME DIFFICULT OR
UNPREDICTABLE. THIS COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE
BOAT OR INJURY TO YOUR PASSENGERS. ALWAYS EMPTY
THE BALLAST TANK WHEN WATER SPORTS ACTIVITIES ARE
COMPLETE AND BEFORE OPERATING THE BOAT NORMALLY
OR AT HIGH SPEEDS.
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Ballast Pump Water System
The ballast switch is a three position ON - OFF -
ON switch. To fill the ballast tank, make sure the
thru-hull valve is open and activate the switch in
the FILL position until the tank reaches the desired
level, then turn the pump off. To drain the ballast
tank, activate the switch in the DRAIN position
and monitor the water level in the tank until it is
empty, then turn the pump off. Always monitor
the water level while filling or draining the ballast
tank and never allow the tank to overfill or the
pump to run dry.
NOTICE:
The ballast pump will be damaged if it is
allowed to run dry for more than a few sec-
onds. Always monitor the water level in the
ballast tank as it drains and turn the pump
off immediately when it is empty.

8.2 Ballast System Maintenance

The following items should be done routinely to
help maintain your ballast water system:
• Check hoses, particularly the seawater supply
lines, for signs of deterioration.
MONTEREY
BOATS