My first year with the h23.5 and first year sailing is done , question here is when I pulled the boat out this fall I noticed water was draining from the ballast tank before I opened the drop plate from inside the boat. is this normal , figured water stayed in the tank until the plate was lowered, this wasnt alot of water but wouldnt this mean the ballast tank is leaking ? any concerns about this water finding its way into the boat ? thanks for any input
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Plate seal
I've a 240 which is a later version of the 23.5. There is a rubber gasket on the plate that seals the ballast tank shut. Replace it and you will be fine. Mine went bad after three years in the water and the dealer talked me out of spring launch before the replacement came in. Cheap insurance against losing your ballast.
I've a 240 which is a later version of the 23.5. There is a rubber gasket on the plate that seals the ballast tank shut. Replace it and you will be fine. Mine went bad after three years in the water and the dealer talked me out of spring launch before the replacement came in. Cheap insurance against losing your ballast.
You can't really "lose" your ballast. I would guess that 99 percent of all hunter water ballast boats "leak". It's a PIA to replace the gasket but if it helps you to sleep better do so. However, a "leaking" ballast valve will not significantly effect the righting moment of your boat. Think about it - the ballast tank level will never drop below the level of the surrounding water.
If you want to learn more about water ballast boats go to this link:
http://h260.com/water_ballast/water_ballast_index.html
If you want to learn more about water ballast boats go to this link:
http://h260.com/water_ballast/water_ballast_index.html
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I agree with George. The ballast will only "leak" up to the waterline level inside the ballast tank. If you have your ballast vent plug securely inserted, the ballast will only leak out of the bottom drain, and then, only when you heel. It will then slowly refill when you level out. Before you change your gasket and if you are still out of the water, give the gasket a quick inspection. Look to see of the gasket surface is clean and flat. Wipe it off with a clean wet cloth. Also wipe down the opposing hull surface. Then, line up the "indexing" pin and tighten the ballast valve really tight. Finally, fill the ballast up with fresh water with a garden hose. Check for leaks. It's a good chance you fixed your problem with the above actions. If it still leaks, but fairly slowly, plan a gasket replacement for a time that is convenient for you. Measure the gasket so you can find some red gasket material locally and cut it on you own schedule for later replacement. In the meantime, enjoy sailing! It's not going to hurt anything. BrianW
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