interested in a 26D and would like to keep it in a marina (saltwater). any drawback to that? I'd image I should put a few chlorine tablets in the ballast tank to prevent mold every now and then. other than that, anything else? never had a water ballast boat before.
keeping a 26D in a slip?
- Thread starter newsailor72
- Start date
Great questions! I too am a new owner of a water ballast vessel. I’ll be watching this thread to learn more too.
Thanks
Thanks
It's a boat, and it's big enough to sleep on, why not keep it happy in a marina slip or mooring. You'll want to learn about antifouling paint bottom paint, applied to the hull below the waterline. Salt or fresh, if you leave your boat in the water for more that a few weeks stuff will grow, critters will attach.... and you'll have a slow, ugly boat. Slipping on a dive mask cleaning the hull yourself is one option, if there's a shallow beach area conveninent a long broom handle with a soft brush attachment will let you get most of if it. The best option, however is a couple coats of anti-fouling paint. A gallon should be enough, then check it once a month or so and wipe the water line... just like a swimming pool 
Okie Dokie, here's a link to the West Marine Advisor's articles on antifouling paints. Read up on this subject to decide which style of paint will work best for your boat situation. There are advantages and disadvantages between the two major types ... For instance, if you trailer or store your boat out of the water you don't want to waste your money on a paint that deteriorates quickly when exposed to air or sunlight. If you store your boat in the water year round and don't want to haul out for seasonal re painting, there are products that can last much longer, saving you time and money. Just learn as much as possible, and I emphatically encourage you to ask your marina staff, your dock friends and boat neighbors how they maintain their boats and what products they use.
By the way, applying a couple coats of bottom paint is an easy DIY project. YouTube is your friend.
Okie Dokie, here's a link to the West Marine Advisor's articles on antifouling paints. Read up on this subject to decide which style of paint will work best for your boat situation. There are advantages and disadvantages between the two major types ... For instance, if you trailer or store your boat out of the water you don't want to waste your money on a paint that deteriorates quickly when exposed to air or sunlight. If you store your boat in the water year round and don't want to haul out for seasonal re painting, there are products that can last much longer, saving you time and money. Just learn as much as possible, and I emphatically encourage you to ask your marina staff, your dock friends and boat neighbors how they maintain their boats and what products they use.
By the way, applying a couple coats of bottom paint is an easy DIY project. YouTube is your friend.
Last edited:
Good call on the bottom paint. I was particularly interested in the cons of having a waterballast boat in a slip. I figured that type of boat is meant to drain the water after a day sail but in a slip you'd have water tank full 24/7, so just wondering is that a big no no? But come to think about it, that's how the Mac 26x, 26M operate, too. I've seen them in slips so I guess not a big deal?