I was wondering if anyone had ever motored their H26/H260 with the water ballast tanks empty. Please note, not sailed, but just motored! I was thinging of pumping out my ballast tank at my slip and then motoring the quarter mile to the boat ramp to pull the boat out of the water. I would appreciate any comments. Tanks!!!
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
S
Sean Coerse
No ballast
Unless the only way possible to get your boat on the trailer at the ramp is to have no ballast I wouldn't. Once by accident I launched and forgot to get to open the ballast tank. I steped on the boat and it reminded me of my days racing small boats. Very unstable. The boat rocked violently at the dock from side to side when i stood on the rail to step on.
Unless the only way possible to get your boat on the trailer at the ramp is to have no ballast I wouldn't. Once by accident I launched and forgot to get to open the ballast tank. I steped on the boat and it reminded me of my days racing small boats. Very unstable. The boat rocked violently at the dock from side to side when i stood on the rail to step on.
T
Tom
Only in no wind situation. It would be
like trying to keep a cork moving. You would have a high center of gravity and manuverability would be compromised. Personally, I wouldn't do it with mine. Why risk when the payoff is low?
like trying to keep a cork moving. You would have a high center of gravity and manuverability would be compromised. Personally, I wouldn't do it with mine. Why risk when the payoff is low?
J
Jeff Peltier
Yes
Yes, I do this every fall when I take the boat out of the water as the public access is a little shallow by that time of the year. It's a little less stable, but certainly not dangerous. This also makes it a little easier to get all the way forward on the trailer as you pull it out. Jeff Peltier
Yes, I do this every fall when I take the boat out of the water as the public access is a little shallow by that time of the year. It's a little less stable, but certainly not dangerous. This also makes it a little easier to get all the way forward on the trailer as you pull it out. Jeff Peltier
M
MANUEL MACIEIRA
No problem
I do this every fall on MI H26, an, I motoring 1/2 mile to the ramp.It's less stable but not a problem. NATANI H26 MANNY.
I do this every fall on MI H26, an, I motoring 1/2 mile to the ramp.It's less stable but not a problem. NATANI H26 MANNY.
C
Calvin
Be sure to get ALL the water out!
If you do not get all the water out you will have a potentially very dangerous situation. My question is, how do you know you have gotten it all out?
If you do not get all the water out you will have a potentially very dangerous situation. My question is, how do you know you have gotten it all out?
J
Jeff Peltier
Visual
For those of us who have boat lifts, it's a matter of draining until empty. You can visually see through the vent hole with a flashlight. Although half empty would make the water slosh around, much like towing a half full water tank, it certainly wouldn't be dangerous because the weight is still in the bottom of the boat. Jeff Peltier
For those of us who have boat lifts, it's a matter of draining until empty. You can visually see through the vent hole with a flashlight. Although half empty would make the water slosh around, much like towing a half full water tank, it certainly wouldn't be dangerous because the weight is still in the bottom of the boat. Jeff Peltier
A
alan
I disagree Jeff.
The ballast tank spreads athwartships a fair amount. Half a ballast tank would be dangerous like a shifting cargo load it could contribute to a capsize as the load (water ballast) will always end up on low side. If we are talking of 10 to 20 gal might not matter that much. Never tried it, but...wouldn't want to. alan
The ballast tank spreads athwartships a fair amount. Half a ballast tank would be dangerous like a shifting cargo load it could contribute to a capsize as the load (water ballast) will always end up on low side. If we are talking of 10 to 20 gal might not matter that much. Never tried it, but...wouldn't want to. alan
J
Jeff Peltier
Experience
Having lots of experience with unbaffled liquid tanks, I wouldn't be too worried about that situation. Jeff Peltier
Having lots of experience with unbaffled liquid tanks, I wouldn't be too worried about that situation. Jeff Peltier
T
Thomas Tongue
Routine
I routinely launch the boat, motor over to the slip, and put fresh water in from topside. The mast is down so that probably contributes to a very stable boat for motoring around the marina. Tom/DFW
I routinely launch the boat, motor over to the slip, and put fresh water in from topside. The mast is down so that probably contributes to a very stable boat for motoring around the marina. Tom/DFW
C
Calvin
Previous bad experience...
I had one experience where I thought the ballast was full and began using the motor to move away from the dock. Several people were sitting on one side and when I turned sharply the boat heeled dramatically. I would not want that to happen moving at any speed.
I had one experience where I thought the ballast was full and began using the motor to move away from the dock. Several people were sitting on one side and when I turned sharply the boat heeled dramatically. I would not want that to happen moving at any speed.
C
Crazy Dave Condon
Experience
Most of you know that I am dealer and again for those who know me, do not divulge who I am. I not only outsold everyone but have logged so much time on Hunter Water Ballast boats. I was involved with the intial design of the 23.5; therefore, I feel I do know something about the boats. First, never sail without the ballast. To do so would mean trouble and of course loss of performance. I domonstrated this often but not anymore as I wanted the experience. As for no water in the tank, the problem when just motoring with other people who want to go on the top of the boat could be dangerous. There was an earlier mention of a MacGregor 26X up north without ballast and there were folks on top of the boat. It overturned and I understand two kids drowned as a result. Enough said. As for a boat on a trailer or even on a cradle, the added weight of the water ballast left in the tank can and will cause the hull to deflect and possibly tear the joints of the ballast tank from the hull. Had to repair a couple in my time. Crazy Dave Condon
Most of you know that I am dealer and again for those who know me, do not divulge who I am. I not only outsold everyone but have logged so much time on Hunter Water Ballast boats. I was involved with the intial design of the 23.5; therefore, I feel I do know something about the boats. First, never sail without the ballast. To do so would mean trouble and of course loss of performance. I domonstrated this often but not anymore as I wanted the experience. As for no water in the tank, the problem when just motoring with other people who want to go on the top of the boat could be dangerous. There was an earlier mention of a MacGregor 26X up north without ballast and there were folks on top of the boat. It overturned and I understand two kids drowned as a result. Enough said. As for a boat on a trailer or even on a cradle, the added weight of the water ballast left in the tank can and will cause the hull to deflect and possibly tear the joints of the ballast tank from the hull. Had to repair a couple in my time. Crazy Dave Condon
A
alan
My yard left the water in the tank a few times.
The boats not trailered but lifted onto it at the end of the season. Noticed the trailer laying a bit low. Guess I was lucky, no damage and I caught it before weather turned too cold. Did stink up the place a bit though when dumping it. alan
The boats not trailered but lifted onto it at the end of the season. Noticed the trailer laying a bit low. Guess I was lucky, no damage and I caught it before weather turned too cold. Did stink up the place a bit though when dumping it. alan
J
Jeff Peltier
Thin Fiberglass
Those of us that use boat lifts, dump the water every time it goes up for this very reason. The fiberglass on the bottom of the boat is quite thin in spots. One can almost push their thumb through the hull in certain spots and even raising the boat partially out of the water with the valve closed, deflects the hull enough to put considerable pressure on the ballast valve. I have talked to Hunter about this in 98, but as of 2001, I see is hasn't been corrected. The boats I have insected have cracks developing in the area inside the water ballast area from the compression loads of the bunks. Since trailerable boats spend a lot of time on bunks, I can't imagine a anyone who wouldn't be glad to have another 100# of fiberglass on the bottom of an otherwise well built boat. Jeff Peltier
Those of us that use boat lifts, dump the water every time it goes up for this very reason. The fiberglass on the bottom of the boat is quite thin in spots. One can almost push their thumb through the hull in certain spots and even raising the boat partially out of the water with the valve closed, deflects the hull enough to put considerable pressure on the ballast valve. I have talked to Hunter about this in 98, but as of 2001, I see is hasn't been corrected. The boats I have insected have cracks developing in the area inside the water ballast area from the compression loads of the bunks. Since trailerable boats spend a lot of time on bunks, I can't imagine a anyone who wouldn't be glad to have another 100# of fiberglass on the bottom of an otherwise well built boat. Jeff Peltier
C
Crazy Dave Condon
Constructin
IF you add to much glass, then you will be moving a tub down the highway. Oh fun. The hullls are not as thick as the use of divancel and stronger glass and resins are now used in the past 20 years. Sometimes I have heard of this problem but in all cases with the exception of one, I have found that one support on the trailer might be to high and of course it will compress the hull in some causing some cracks. Check your trailer supports with the boat resting on it and let me know. Curious. Crazy Dave aCondon ewjrt[pou
IF you add to much glass, then you will be moving a tub down the highway. Oh fun. The hullls are not as thick as the use of divancel and stronger glass and resins are now used in the past 20 years. Sometimes I have heard of this problem but in all cases with the exception of one, I have found that one support on the trailer might be to high and of course it will compress the hull in some causing some cracks. Check your trailer supports with the boat resting on it and let me know. Curious. Crazy Dave aCondon ewjrt[pou
J
Jeff Peltier
Re Construction
Dave, you obviously have knowlege of this boat, but your response is similar to many of the engineers I end up correcting. The problem is getting hung up on the details and missing the concept. In wind and waves, the boats don't always get back exactly on the trailer or lift as one would hope. This can cause more than the ideal pressure engineers had designed into the equation. 100# extra would be undetectable as this is less than 2% of the towing wieght. As far as towing goes, the mass makes more difference when going down the road than the weight. That is why a 6000# bobcat tows easier than the 5000# H260. You might be more familier with the difference of the McGreger 26 and the Hunter 260, which are only about 1000# different. Even though both boats are 26', the much smaller profile of the McGreger makes it pull quite a bit easier than the 20% weight difference. All that extra room in the 260 just makes it pull harder. A sacrifice many of us choose for getting a roomier, mostly well-built boat. If you care to email me to discuss this further, my address is jeffpeltier@starband.net. Jeff Peltier
Dave, you obviously have knowlege of this boat, but your response is similar to many of the engineers I end up correcting. The problem is getting hung up on the details and missing the concept. In wind and waves, the boats don't always get back exactly on the trailer or lift as one would hope. This can cause more than the ideal pressure engineers had designed into the equation. 100# extra would be undetectable as this is less than 2% of the towing wieght. As far as towing goes, the mass makes more difference when going down the road than the weight. That is why a 6000# bobcat tows easier than the 5000# H260. You might be more familier with the difference of the McGreger 26 and the Hunter 260, which are only about 1000# different. Even though both boats are 26', the much smaller profile of the McGreger makes it pull quite a bit easier than the 20% weight difference. All that extra room in the 260 just makes it pull harder. A sacrifice many of us choose for getting a roomier, mostly well-built boat. If you care to email me to discuss this further, my address is jeffpeltier@starband.net. Jeff Peltier
C
Crazy Dave Condon
jeff
It is true that weight is a factor when pulling, but the 260 does offer alot of room not found on other boats, sails better than any other 26 truely trailerabe boats and so forth. Anytime that you have a large boat, you will raise the center of gravity higher and will be affected more than a boat that sits really low plus the windage it has against it is another factor. To ease the boat on and off the bunk boards of the trailer, you can change the covering on the bunk boards and also add the teflon pads which will do the trick. Jim Seamons did this to his 260 and it worked great. Hope this answers your questions. For the record, I sold more 26 and 260's than anyone else and had a hand in the infancy of the boat when it came out. This is why I know them too well and the reason I am on this forum is to pass on the knowledge to you folks which I enjoy doing. Crazy Dave Condon
It is true that weight is a factor when pulling, but the 260 does offer alot of room not found on other boats, sails better than any other 26 truely trailerabe boats and so forth. Anytime that you have a large boat, you will raise the center of gravity higher and will be affected more than a boat that sits really low plus the windage it has against it is another factor. To ease the boat on and off the bunk boards of the trailer, you can change the covering on the bunk boards and also add the teflon pads which will do the trick. Jim Seamons did this to his 260 and it worked great. Hope this answers your questions. For the record, I sold more 26 and 260's than anyone else and had a hand in the infancy of the boat when it came out. This is why I know them too well and the reason I am on this forum is to pass on the knowledge to you folks which I enjoy doing. Crazy Dave Condon
- Status
- Not open for further replies.