Water ballast tank 240

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K

KI4ARJ

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Nov 1, 2011
9
Hunter 30-2 Panama City Bh
I use sea water to fill my tank. In the years of experience around sea water, "THINGS" grow in and around my boat. The sea water is trapped for a few days, then I dump the tank as I put it on the trailer. The 'things' that have attached its self to the inside, die but do not come out.
I am trying to find a product (enviromentaly friendly), a cup of two, or so I could put into the tank to "purify the water" allowing it to splash around and mix while I sail. I have been told that bleech is harmful to fiberglass if left in contact for a while. Any ideas. There are a lot of boats using water ballast tanks. THANKS!!!
 
Relentless

Relentless

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Jun 2, 2004
49
Hunter - Lighthouse Point, Fl
Interesting question, how to kill the critters in the enviroment,yet be enviromentaly friendly. I don't know, but there are some smart people on this site.
 
cephius (Dave)

cephius (Dave)

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May 25, 2004
958
Hunter 260 Pepin, WI
My tank contains the same river water for our 6 month season. I know what's in the Mississippi and I don't want it to live in my tank. I always add a 1/2 jug of bleach at launch. I learned this trick from the marina owner, who had a good deal of sailboat maintenance experience. I've been doing this for 10 years and haven't seen any tank or hull damage.

Its hard to be friendly to an environment you are attempting to kill, as Glory Daze states.
 
MrEd

MrEd

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Jun 5, 2004
72
Hunter 240 Louisville, KY/ Patoka Lake,IN
No comment on the enviro-friendly aspect of your question. I have used chlorine in the ballast tank for a long time with no known negative effect on the tank. In fact, the dealer gave me the recommendation. Several years ago I switched from bleach to swimming pool shock powder, a bit more convenient. Good luck with the rest of the effort, but the bleach should be no problem.
 
Juice6576

Juice6576

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May 10, 2004
254
Hunter MH 37 Manitowoc, WI
Chlorine for me too.

In both of my WB boats I added a quart of chlorine bleach. One year I didn't add some at launching and a bout a month later the rotten egg smell was terrible. I added the chlorine through the vent with a funnel. Never had a problem after 16 years.
From an enviromental standpoint, bleach does degrade over time, so if you keep the boat in the water, the impact of the chlorine is minimal. Another option you could consider might be a pool product or even Oxy-clean. Sure hate messing with success though.
 
K

KI4ARJ

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Nov 1, 2011
9
Hunter 30-2 Panama City Bh
Thanks to all who replied. I am going into town today and plan to get some pool clorine. Come thursday, the boat goes to the St. Andrews Bay for 4 days. weather forcast sounds excellent. May your sails be full, sky and water blue. Thanks again. KI4ARJ (Sargeant Mc)
 
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