If marina puts or pulls h26 from water without draining ballast, would this break it, or sloshing tip it??

Oct 8, 2023
84
Hunter 260 Kemah
If marina puts or pulls h26 from water without draining ballast, would this hurt it? If they don't move ballast plug. Thought I would ask if there are horror stories of breakage or boats tipping over. Must I not trust the staff to do normal move. Or does water leak around plug and all is fine??? I guess I could leave plug in bottom ALWAYS open inches. Happy winter!!!! - D
 
Sep 24, 2018
4,061
Catalina 30 MKIII Chicago
Waves will cause more turbulence in the tank than a crane or travel lift. The straps have a large surface area against the hull so it's highly unlikely that your boat will tip in the straps. It's far more likely to fall over from improperly placed stands. A full tank might put extra strain on the hull when it's on a cradle/trailer/stands so I would drain it as soon as you can. Remember, your boat is made to heel and bounce around in waves and on a trailer.
 
Jul 7, 2004
8,502
Hunter 30T Cheney, KS
FWIW, my old MacGregor 26S manual said always drain it because the trailer wasn't rated for the weight of the water ballast.
 
Jun 2, 2004
3,611
Hunter 23.5 Fort Walton Yacht Club, Florida
If the valve is open when they lift the boat, it just takes i minute for the water to run out.

Do not let them move the boat if the tank is not either full or empty.

The water in a full tank cannot move. Water in a half full tank moving inside the tank creates a tremendous force when it gets to the other end of the tank.
 
Jun 2, 2004
3,611
Hunter 23.5 Fort Walton Yacht Club, Florida
But a marina pulling boat in autumn when I am away won't know to drain water....
Open the valve AND the vent before you leave. Advise the marina it is a water ballasted boat and to lift it but wait for the water to drain prior to moving it after lifting it. Make a sign stating that as well mount it to the boat so the lift operator will see it when they lift the boat.

Send an email or have a marina representative sign as having received those instructions and take a picture of the sign on the boat. If there is damage as a result of the water in the ballast tank you will have sufficient evidence that you have done your due diligence, and damage is a result of negligence, indifference or incompetence on the behalf of the marina and or its employees.
 
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Joe

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Jun 1, 2004
8,267
Catalina 27 Mission Bay, San Diego
But a marina pulling boat in autumn when I am away won't know to drain water....
Put your requirements, procedures, conditions or any other items that concern you in your contract with the marina. When you schedule your appointment simply go over what and how you want your boat handled and put it in writing. Trust me they will not ignore unless they like getting sued.
 
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