260 h2O ballast keep in salt h2O

[dan vereker]

my hunter 260 has been in salt h2O for 8 months without draining the ballast tank. besides taking it out of the h2O, am i heading for trouble by not draining the tank. would appreciate any advise or experience. thx dan

 

[Ray Bowles]

Dan, If you pull the boat out of the water I

would drain the ballast tank right at the boat ramp before towing the boat. Both salt and fresh water in the ballast tank would benefit from 3/4 to 1 gallon of bleach to prevent growth and smell in the ballast tank water.As far as I know, leaving the water in the tank that long is not a problem. Changing the water every 4 to 6 months would not hurt a thing, but I don't know that it would help either.The water can be changed in the boat, while it is floating next to the dock, by opening the bottom water ballast tank valve and using a hose with nozzle, in the air vent hole, next to the tank top large wingnut. This flushes out the old and fills with new water. If you want the extra weight of salt water you will have to find a salt water supply line somewhere near. RayS/v Speedy95 H26

 

[Dave Royce]

No Probelms

I launched my 23.5 last year into salt water. I never changed the water all year. I hauled the boat last week and drained the ballast. While working on the bottom I removed the ballast valve and used an inspection mirror to look into the ballast tank. I was concerned about the growth also. I was pleased to see that the tank was clean with no growth at all. Someone said earlier in a posting no light no growth. I have seen that it is true.

 

[Tom]

Always in the water

I keep my 240 in the water all the time for the last 3 years. I change the water out in the tank about once every 8 months by inserting a hose into the vent hole and opening the main drain. I put alot of hose in to get some circulation and also rock the boat occasionally. Works well. P.S. Only need to add about 2 cups of clorox about every 3-4 months.

 

[dave b.]

water tank

How has your bottom look? Leaving the boat in the wather as much as you guys do. Do you guy's have a barrier coat on the bottom under the antifoul paint?Dave b.

 

[dan vereker]

thanks for the tips

thanx everyone, i just needed some reasurence.i flushed out the ballast tank and added some bleach. all is good, and yes i have good bottom paint. thanx again, its great to know i can tap into such great experience and advise.  fair winds and great sailing... see ya on the water. dan