In water with no ballast

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Apr 26, 2010
3
Hunter 25 Tampa
I have a 76 H25 that I am working on. If I have no sail or mast on the boat, can I safely put it in the water with no ballast and use a motor for now.
 

Alan

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Jun 2, 2004
4,174
Hunter 35.5 LI, NY
My guess is it would be extremely unstable and could flip over immediately open hitting the water.
 
Dec 2, 1999
15,184
Hunter Vision-36 Rio Vista, CA.
What do you mean by "no ballast". The 1975 H25 is a keel boat (not water ballast).

Please explain!
 

Benny

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Sep 27, 2008
1,149
Hunter 320 Tampa, FL
No, the hull shape when unballasted will not stop a roll and may likely cause the boat to capsize.
 
Apr 26, 2010
3
Hunter 25 Tampa
I am new to sailboats and I was under the impression that the ballast and keel were the same. I have 2000 lbs of lead lying in my yard. By what I am understanding, the ballast/keel needs to be on the boat, even if I am not using sails. Now I need to know how to lift the ballast/keel to bolt it to the boat.
 

Alan

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Jun 2, 2004
4,174
Hunter 35.5 LI, NY
In most, but not all, the ballast and keel are one and the same. Some boats use a centerboard with an alternate source of ballast such as water in a tank.
To install your keel you will need to lift the boat above it and line up the holes in the hull base with the keel studs. Lower the hull onto the keel with 3M 5200 sealant between them and allow it to set up. Torque the keel nuts to the hull using large stainless washers. Fare the seem between the keel and hull joint.

Do not put your boat in the water without ballast. It will surely turtle.
 
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