Thanks to all who helped with the Rudder inquiry. Next question: I was a little surprised when I filled the water ballast (thru the hull bottom) while launching. It seemed as though it took 15 to 30 seconds...not very long at all. When I look into the top side fill hole the level is within maybe 4 inches of the top. The boat feels very tender which may have been due to tiller being loose and trailing in the mid-way position. I've opened the valve while under way thinking that maybe that would push more water into the hull. Seems to be at the same level. Does anyone know how long it takes to fill? AND,,,that last 4 inches depending on the length of the bladder could mean many gallons of water. Is it filled?
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Rick Webb
That is about it.
The water in the tank is only going to come up to the water line. I remember reading somwhere that it should be about to a finger stuck in the hole. I fill mine with a hose and that is about where it comes to.
The water in the tank is only going to come up to the water line. I remember reading somwhere that it should be about to a finger stuck in the hole. I fill mine with a hose and that is about where it comes to.
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David Cox
Same for H240
The level is the same with the H240. Just remember to let the water out when you reload it back on the trailer. It takes about 2-3 minutes to drain. Happy Sailing David Cox s/v Devine Spark
The level is the same with the H240. Just remember to let the water out when you reload it back on the trailer. It takes about 2-3 minutes to drain. Happy Sailing David Cox s/v Devine Spark
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Jim
Draining the H260
It sure is fun to watch everyone's face when we pull the boat out. These power boaters mouths fall open when the see all of that water pouring out. "Damn Man you must have a serious leak" jim
It sure is fun to watch everyone's face when we pull the boat out. These power boaters mouths fall open when the see all of that water pouring out. "Damn Man you must have a serious leak" jim
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Steve Gautney
I agree . . .
Fill time sometimes depends on how far open you have the seacock. Even when you run the wing nut out all the way it may close or at least not stay completely open . . .prolonging ballast fill time. The water level you describe is the same as I experience.
Fill time sometimes depends on how far open you have the seacock. Even when you run the wing nut out all the way it may close or at least not stay completely open . . .prolonging ballast fill time. The water level you describe is the same as I experience.
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Ron Mehringer
Scary
Makes you realize how fast a boat that's been holed can go under. Our water ballasted boats essentially have a "controlled hole."
Makes you realize how fast a boat that's been holed can go under. Our water ballasted boats essentially have a "controlled hole."
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Mike Pajewski
Don't forget to close the fill valve
Key Safety Tip, You should have the flood valve closed when sailing. If the boat heels over and the valve is open, you're ballast tank could drain and you could end up sailing light. This could result in the boat becoming tender and suffering a knock down. Mike Pajewski
Key Safety Tip, You should have the flood valve closed when sailing. If the boat heels over and the valve is open, you're ballast tank could drain and you could end up sailing light. This could result in the boat becoming tender and suffering a knock down. Mike Pajewski
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Ken Shubert
Oh so Tender
Sometime when you launch your boat, try sailing in light wind with the ballast tank empty. Try sailing with and without the center board down too. Try it with the rudder not completely down. It's interesting to find out what effect each of these has. I've never heard of a H23.5 or H26 going "turtle" without ballast but getting knocked down in strong gusts is certainly likely. Tenderness is ...... a water ballasted boat! Ken S/V Wouff Hong
Sometime when you launch your boat, try sailing in light wind with the ballast tank empty. Try sailing with and without the center board down too. Try it with the rudder not completely down. It's interesting to find out what effect each of these has. I've never heard of a H23.5 or H26 going "turtle" without ballast but getting knocked down in strong gusts is certainly likely. Tenderness is ...... a water ballasted boat! Ken S/V Wouff Hong
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Tom M.
260...full... Hummm...
I wonder, my tank is full to the brim. How about other 260 owners? Is this normal? Thanks. Tom M.
I wonder, my tank is full to the brim. How about other 260 owners? Is this normal? Thanks. Tom M.
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Bernie LaScala
Response to Tom M.
My 260 stays filled to the brim as well. It had water leaking out of the vent until I installed a tighter plug. I don't know if this is the way it was designed, but it does not seem to be a problem. Otherwise, my boat has been bone dry since the dealer's repairs.
My 260 stays filled to the brim as well. It had water leaking out of the vent until I installed a tighter plug. I don't know if this is the way it was designed, but it does not seem to be a problem. Otherwise, my boat has been bone dry since the dealer's repairs.
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Tom M.
Bernie...
Mine was leaking out of the vent as well. Same thing, I tightened the plug and it stopped. I'm curious if other 260's are the same way. Makes it impossible to put something in the tank as a deodorizer like bleach or a water bed conditioner when the thing is that full. Thanks for responding. Tom M.
Mine was leaking out of the vent as well. Same thing, I tightened the plug and it stopped. I'm curious if other 260's are the same way. Makes it impossible to put something in the tank as a deodorizer like bleach or a water bed conditioner when the thing is that full. Thanks for responding. Tom M.
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Garry
Fill Level Varies
I've noticed that our 260 fills to different levels in fresh water and salt water. Usually in fresh water the level is about 3" down from the top. However, when we launch in salt water it ends up full to the brim. Doesn't make logical sense since the density of salt water should float the boat higher. Only reason I can think of is that we encounter more wave action that slowly brings it in with the valve open. Also, I've recently found that the rubber gasket has separated from the metal plate. This can result in the gasket sticking to the bottom of the boat while you think you have lowered the valve. This really slows the intake of water, say hours. Check for secure attach of the gasket. And one final thing. On the 26' you don't want to drop the valve past 3/4" or so. If you do you run the risk of rotating the valve and jamming the guide pin against the bottom of the boat, resulting in a permanently open valve.
I've noticed that our 260 fills to different levels in fresh water and salt water. Usually in fresh water the level is about 3" down from the top. However, when we launch in salt water it ends up full to the brim. Doesn't make logical sense since the density of salt water should float the boat higher. Only reason I can think of is that we encounter more wave action that slowly brings it in with the valve open. Also, I've recently found that the rubber gasket has separated from the metal plate. This can result in the gasket sticking to the bottom of the boat while you think you have lowered the valve. This really slows the intake of water, say hours. Check for secure attach of the gasket. And one final thing. On the 26' you don't want to drop the valve past 3/4" or so. If you do you run the risk of rotating the valve and jamming the guide pin against the bottom of the boat, resulting in a permanently open valve.
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jack everitt
23.5 ballast
I've owned my 94 23.5 since new. I always launch in the spring and leave it in until fall. This spring, while still on the trailer I decided to flush out the ballast tank with a hose. I noticed that that the tank was slow to drain. In playing around with the valve, I pushed the plunger down for the first time, it dropped about three inches and suddenly the water started draining faster. In the past the boat was was very tender with winds above 10 mph. Now I can feel that the boat is heavier and much more stable. Several times this spring I didn't even need to reef while on a reach in 15-20 mph winds.. Now the problem is that the boat feels like a tub in light winds. Is it possible to get too much water in the ballast tank ? I have no water inside the cabin.
I've owned my 94 23.5 since new. I always launch in the spring and leave it in until fall. This spring, while still on the trailer I decided to flush out the ballast tank with a hose. I noticed that that the tank was slow to drain. In playing around with the valve, I pushed the plunger down for the first time, it dropped about three inches and suddenly the water started draining faster. In the past the boat was was very tender with winds above 10 mph. Now I can feel that the boat is heavier and much more stable. Several times this spring I didn't even need to reef while on a reach in 15-20 mph winds.. Now the problem is that the boat feels like a tub in light winds. Is it possible to get too much water in the ballast tank ? I have no water inside the cabin.
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Rick Webb
Here is one to ponder
If we include rock salt in with our fresh water ballast will it increase or decrease the weight and would it be enough to make a difference?
If we include rock salt in with our fresh water ballast will it increase or decrease the weight and would it be enough to make a difference?
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