Stability & Safety

[JB]

I would like to buy a 26X but have a few questions: 1) How does the swing keel stay in the "down" position when the boat is moving fast (under sail)? Can it be locked down?2) Has anyone experienced a leaking ballast tank?3) How is bilge water removed from between the hull and the inner liner? How fast does bilge water accumulate?I'd really appreciate some input before I buy the boat. Thanks!JB

 

[Jim Bailey]

Stability and Safety, JB of San Francisco

1.) The keel can be locked down. There is a line that controls this on the starboard side. There is a jaw cleat,(thats what I call it) that locks the keel in any position. While under power, it is locked in the up position.2.) I've not had any problem with waterballast leaks. That unit is completely molded in, so that should not happen.3.) I keep my boat on the trailer, so bilge water is not a problem. I imagine there may be accumulation if left in the water, but I think its due to condensation. There is a way to combat that. Just get a couple containers that will hold some Damp Rid crystals. The containers can be purchased at marine stores such as West Marine, along with the crystals. Although, I've purchased these items at Home Depot as well. Works great in motor homes too.Should you have any further questions about the 26X, Arena Yacht Sales in San Rafael, can help out. They're nice people. I bought mine there. Also, you can conact the MacGregor Coorporation, and get a very informative 45 minute video for about ten bucks. Its quite interesting, and shows how the boat is made.Hope I've shed some light on your questions, and provided you with additional information.Good Sailing!Jim

 

[mike]

answering the questions

the line explained by ur previous reader, only hold the centerboard from droppping. it can be cleated at any position, but the board can still be hoisted up into the trunk, even though it is cleated, except when the board is retracted all the way into the trunk. So, if the centerboard is cleated at half way---the board will not drop any further then half way, but can be pushed up from forward motion. I tried to retract the board while moving forward,but could not do it. the forward speed, in effect, locked the board in the position. never had a leak problem from the ballast tank. molded in tank. stinks though-----use a gallon of bleach to kill the smell. pour it right into the ballast tank. use two bildge pumps. starboard/port. the section under the ladder and before the forward tank ( u can see the section in the video) is anyones guess. talked to a guy who had water in that area. just had to use the crystals. He also was able to get rags under there and mop it up. I don't have water in my bildge, and the boat is in the water---rainy season here in florida-------15inches of rain in July.-----good luck. any other questions --michaelangelo16@hotmail.com