I own a Pearson Triton and am in the process of redoing my fuel tank which is forcing me to redo my exhaust (because the new fuel tank location is where the old waterlift was). I am planning to switch to Vetus waterlock which many Triton owners have used with great success since it fits under the engine in the bilge area. However, the typical route of the exhaust goes from the aft end of the engine manifold to the waterlock (which is under the bilge facing forward with the wet exhaust outlet facing forward as well). The exhausted hose is then attached to the outlet from the front of the engine and routed around the engine back to the transom where the wet exhaust is expelled. Attached below is a picture of a project Tim worked on showing such an installation [Tim, sorry to post your picture without permission. Please do not kick me off the forum ;-)] In this particular instance the engine is a Beta and the picture shows the forward end of the engine looking toward the back. The gray plastic container under the engine is the Vetus waterlock.
![Image](http://www.lackeysailing.com/kaholee/photos/november07/exoutlethose0-110707.jpg)
I understand that Atomic-4 manifold has two openings one faces forward and the other faces the back. I would like to route the exhaust from the forward end of the manifold through the waterlock (which is again under the engine in the bilge but with inlet facing forward and outlet facing the back). I can then attach the exhaust hose to the outlet from the back of the bilge. Does it matter if the exhaust is coming out the front or the back of the manifold? Do I make any sense?
The alternative solution is to build a platform offset to the port side of the A-4 behind the main bulkhead. The issue is that (1) it is offset to the manifold outlet by approximately 12 inches (easy for water to flow back into the manifold when the boat heels over), and (2) it is only approximately 4-6 inches below the turn in the exhaust lift (best practice is 12 inches at any angle of heeling). My solution is to install a ball valve before the wet exhaust hose reaches the waterlock. After I motor the boat out of the marina and the Oakland estruary I would turn off the engine and shut off the ball valve to prevent any water from seeping back into the manifold. The advantage is that I don't need to buy any new waterlock or more hoses (a saving of couple hundred dollars). But I am not sure if anyone has tried this setup and if it works (eg. ball valve might be leaky or it is too much hassle). If you could point out any obvious (or not so obvious flaw with this set up) please let me know.
Thanks and best regards,
Ray