leave it open or closed!

[Karyon]

So today we took our new H23.5 for its second sail, the previous owner says when he fills the ballast tanks he never closes the valve he always left it open.

What do most of you water ballast sailors do leave it open or do you close the valve when the tank is full.

 

[Kermit]

I never even thought of not closing the fill valve on my H260. I can't help but think keeping the ballast where it belongs all snug as a bug in a rug is best.

 

[Fred]

From my understanding of how things work, leaving the ballast tank valve open would defeat the physics of water ballasted boats and potentially lead to a dangerous situation. I used to sail dinghies, when there was free water sloshing around in the boat it became quite unstable.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

The previous owner is full of balarney and I will order Kermit with his sword to make him walk the plank.

The only time to leave it open is when the boat is out of the water on the trailer or in a sling or travel lift. First the stink in some areas will run you out if not treated. Secondly if the boat is leaning over any, ballast will escape which for any length of time will have it affect of no ballast. Do what ever you want to but from this old professional who introduced these boats, close off the ballast tank.