Patent ID: 10227113

Abstract:
The present disclosure provides apparatus and methods that improves the speed, functionality, and safety of wakeboat ballasting operations. A ballasting apparatus for wakeboats is provided, comprising a wakeboat with a hull and an engine; a hydraulic pump, mechanically driven by the engine; a hydraulic motor, powered by the hydraulic pump; a ballast compartment; and a ballast pump, powered by the hydraulic motor. A ballasting apparatus for wakeboats is provided, comprising a wakeboat with a hull and an engine; a ballast compartment; and a hydraulic ballast pump, the ballast pump configured to be powered by the engine, the ballast outlet and/or inlet of the ballast pump connected to the ballast compartment, the ballast pump configured to pump ballast in and/or out of the ballast compartment. A ballast pump priming system for wakeboats is provided, comprising a wakeboat with a hull and an engine; a ballast pump on the wakeboat; a fitting on the ballast pump which permits water to be introduced into the housing of the ballast pump; and a source of pressurized water, the pressurized water being fluidly connected to the fitting, the pressurized water thus flowing into the housing of the ballast pump.