Full water tanks

Status
Not open for further replies.
G

GreenLight

.
Jan 3, 2009
44
Catalina 30 mk II St Michaels
Does anyone have any thoughts about sailing with the water tanks full or empty, if you are just going out for the day or doing a little racing?

My forward tank holds 27 gallons and the one on the starboard side holds 17. I'll probably keep the starboard tank full to balance the holding tank that's opposite it on the port side.
 
Bad Obsession

Bad Obsession

.
May 23, 2004
3,319
I'm in the market as were . Colonial Beach
The boat was designed to have both tanks full. I don't think that it makes that big of a difference though. Mine sails fine either way.
 
J

jimg

.
Jun 5, 2004
175
catalina 27 dana point
You are talking about more than 350 lbs of water. It does make a difference in racing.
 
Bad Obsession

Bad Obsession

.
May 23, 2004
3,319
I'm in the market as were . Colonial Beach
Yeah....and I have a 33 pound bruce on the front with 30 feet of chain. Weight up front doesn't really bother me. I cruise, not race. If I wanted to race, I certainly wouldn't be sailing my Catalina 30 wing keel, tall rig, with a 3 blade fixed prop.

"Go fast enough to get there but slow enough to see, moderation seems to be the key"-- Jimmy Buffett.
 
  • Like
Likes: 1 person
T

Twice Around

.
Dec 11, 2008
172
Catalina 30 Solomons, MD
Every ounce of weight always makes a boat slower..that being said, you have to make compromises for comfort. When cruising, water tanks full..extra emergency 5 gallons of potable in sail locker. Extra engine oil, big batteries, etc.etc..If I was racing (which I don't on my Catalina either, that's what OPBs are for!), I'd have one small AGM cell strong enough to run instruments and start the motor, no water or food on board except what we plan to eat & drink, (but lots of beer!!) - clean bottom, only the good sails we need, any gear you plan to use, but don't bring 3 sets of foul weather gear, & everything else except for required safety equipment of course, off..fenders,dock lines, that big anchor, extra chain, extra rode, off! - all gear, food, coolers, sails, in the middle, weight out of the ends, including crew!

Every ounce makes a difference..how far you dive into the details and minutia is up to you :)
 
jeffmacdonald

jeffmacdonald

.
Mar 19, 2009
65
Catalina 30 Apollo Beach Florida
With all that being said, I just started racing and I have a fin keel tall rig and I came in FIRST in class and Third overall (field of 30 plus). First race First place, Great boat! I drained all tanks and took a lot of the heavy stuff and just put in the back of my truck temporarily. When you change out the water in the tanks, I really think it is good for the tanks. By accident I learned that the water is better if switched out every couple weeks and the tanks stay cleaner.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Top Bottom