Just purchased my first boat, 97 H-26. Sailing waters will be primarly in ICW or just offshore of Topsail Island, Wilmington NC area. Have potential water depth issue getting out of dock/slip at low tide. I was told the draft of boat did not change with ballast tanks full, I would think a heavier boat would sit lower in water. If I am correct does anyone know the max draft with the tanks full vs tanks empty and any methods of pumping ballast water out while boat is afloat? Also if anyone sails in this area I would appreciate advice, tips.
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No problem - Don't Worry
Tim, Don't worry about the ballast tank. We sail/motor into areas where the depth meter shows 2 ft. We haul up the center board and let the rudder up to float position. We might drag the center board a little but nothing to worry about. Drives the bigger boats crazy since they think they can join us is in a nicer area of anchorage. Water ballast RULES.... Jim S/V Java H260
Tim, Don't worry about the ballast tank. We sail/motor into areas where the depth meter shows 2 ft. We haul up the center board and let the rudder up to float position. We might drag the center board a little but nothing to worry about. Drives the bigger boats crazy since they think they can join us is in a nicer area of anchorage. Water ballast RULES.... Jim S/V Java H260
About 6 inches
The boat will sink a little lower with ballast on board -- about 6 inches. Two ways to remove ballas and float a little higher in the water: 1. safer - leave bottom valve close and pump water out through the vent hole using a pump and sections of hose. Can dump overboard through cockpit or down the galley sink. 2. CAREFUL -- Open ballast valve and USING LOW PRESSURE air pump, pump air into the vent hole which will displace water out through the bottom. This is more dangerous because you are pressurizing the ballast tank which is large and a little pressure will build a lot of force which could damage the tank. I have used method 2 on my MAC26 to approach a very shallow ramp. I used a foot pump and got quite a work out. 12 volt, LOW PRESSURE, high volume pumps are available from Sevylor (link below). Fair winds, Tom
The boat will sink a little lower with ballast on board -- about 6 inches. Two ways to remove ballas and float a little higher in the water: 1. safer - leave bottom valve close and pump water out through the vent hole using a pump and sections of hose. Can dump overboard through cockpit or down the galley sink. 2. CAREFUL -- Open ballast valve and USING LOW PRESSURE air pump, pump air into the vent hole which will displace water out through the bottom. This is more dangerous because you are pressurizing the ballast tank which is large and a little pressure will build a lot of force which could damage the tank. I have used method 2 on my MAC26 to approach a very shallow ramp. I used a foot pump and got quite a work out. 12 volt, LOW PRESSURE, high volume pumps are available from Sevylor (link below). Fair winds, Tom
Tim, The H26 with ballast tank full and the CB
raised will scoot around in about 2 feet of water. The CB and rudder both can be raised so there should be no reason to pump the ballast tank. We normally beach our 26 with both raised and can get into water shallower than many stern drive powerboats. Sail it hard, beach her where ever and gloat! Ray S/V speedy
raised will scoot around in about 2 feet of water. The CB and rudder both can be raised so there should be no reason to pump the ballast tank. We normally beach our 26 with both raised and can get into water shallower than many stern drive powerboats. Sail it hard, beach her where ever and gloat! Ray S/V speedy
water balest
well-- thimk about this--what happens when the C.G. TAKES OVER with all the BALLEST gone? No I'm not trying to be a smart A--. I've never sailed, or motored the boat with out water in it, but have heard stories of people who did. and when 3 guys step on the same rail, things did'nt go well. I would welcome some input on this. Dave B. Nebr.
well-- thimk about this--what happens when the C.G. TAKES OVER with all the BALLEST gone? No I'm not trying to be a smart A--. I've never sailed, or motored the boat with out water in it, but have heard stories of people who did. and when 3 guys step on the same rail, things did'nt go well. I would welcome some input on this. Dave B. Nebr.
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