Can I launch my Hunter 23.5 water ballast at the marina and motor 50 feet to my slip without water in the tank? I want to fill the water ballast tank with fresh, not salt water. Does anyone have experience or tips regarding this? Thanks so much.
Boat Launching
- Thread starter Scott2633
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Don't do it.
A 23.5 without ballast is very unstable. If you are concerned about the quality of the ballast water add a little bleach. But remember when you empty the ballast the water goes back into your lake. Since the ballast will not be exposed to sun light or air very little or no growth can occur in the water.
A 23.5 without ballast is very unstable. If you are concerned about the quality of the ballast water add a little bleach. But remember when you empty the ballast the water goes back into your lake. Since the ballast will not be exposed to sun light or air very little or no growth can occur in the water.
A question...
Since salt water is more bouyant than fresh water, will the sailing dynamics change?
Since salt water is more bouyant than fresh water, will the sailing dynamics change?
50' isn't much
I've done it in a 26', but only by accident. I notice the boat being a little more tender, but not a lot. I've also heard of someone flipping their boat when they put up the mainsail. So, no sail, no waves, no distance, no problem. The added plus is the extra water of fresh water may make your boat a little less tender...
I've done it in a 26', but only by accident. I notice the boat being a little more tender, but not a lot. I've also heard of someone flipping their boat when they put up the mainsail. So, no sail, no waves, no distance, no problem. The added plus is the extra water of fresh water may make your boat a little less tender...
salt water is heavier than fresh water
I only have experience with the 240 and the 260 but I would have no problems motoring whithout the ballast water in fairly smooth conditions.
I only have experience with the 240 and the 260 but I would have no problems motoring whithout the ballast water in fairly smooth conditions.
No problem
I do it every year at first launch, and I travel a far greater distance to my slip than 50 feet. Sure, it is a little wobbly, and I try to avoid a day with heavy wind or excessive wave action. I've never had a problem, nor felt the least concern.
I do it every year at first launch, and I travel a far greater distance to my slip than 50 feet. Sure, it is a little wobbly, and I try to avoid a day with heavy wind or excessive wave action. I've never had a problem, nor felt the least concern.
Ballast water
Thanks to all who responded to my question regarding a launch without water in the ballast tank. Rich from KY noted that with fresh water in the tank vs. salt water the boat should be lesst tender. Is this true because salt water is more bouyant than fresh? Thanks again.
Thanks to all who responded to my question regarding a launch without water in the ballast tank. Rich from KY noted that with fresh water in the tank vs. salt water the boat should be lesst tender. Is this true because salt water is more bouyant than fresh? Thanks again.
Scott -
Salt water is denser than freshwater, not "more buoyant." Buoyancy refers to the abiltiy to float. You are more buoyant swimming in salt water than in fresh because of the density. So saltwater ballast will be heavier, but I can't imagine you could tell the difference in terms of ballast water. And whatever you decide, put a cup or so of bleach in there or you may regret it (p-u!) Good luck. Drew
Salt water is denser than freshwater, not "more buoyant." Buoyancy refers to the abiltiy to float. You are more buoyant swimming in salt water than in fresh because of the density. So saltwater ballast will be heavier, but I can't imagine you could tell the difference in terms of ballast water. And whatever you decide, put a cup or so of bleach in there or you may regret it (p-u!) Good luck. Drew
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