The system comprises a ballast valve with a lockable manual control box to improve handling and optimise boat stability by precise regulation of the volume of water taken into buoyancy tanks.

The new system is purely manual with no need for expensive pumps or solenoids. Its flexibility also allows a boat to ride higher in calmer seas, thereby achieving faster speeds and higher efficiencies. The ultimate payback of installation cost is measurable by significant savings in fuel consumption.

Salmon Power Sports have developed the ballast valve system through involvement in the power boat racing industry, where they supply the current Class 1 World Champions. In the sport, ballast control is used to optimise buoyancy, maximising the amount of time the propeller is kept in the water. Offshore power boat racing is the perfect test bed for products to be applied to demanding workboat application such as this for the RNLI.

The RNLI ballast valve has three operating positions which are controlled by the navigator from a manual control box.

These positions cater for taking on water into the buoyancy tank, a 'sealed' position where water levels are maintained, and a position which allows water to be dumped. The Salmon Power product uses a cast stainless steel construction including 'O' ring seals and has no leakage.

The system can be applied to form the heart of a pumped ballast control system for more advanced control of stability and performance.

MJ Information No: 17228