water ballast tank question

[Tom Beitzel]

I put my H260 back in the water and I was going to fill the ballast tank with fresh water rather than salt water, so I closed the ballast tank value. The next day when I was going to fill with fresh water the tank was full. I guess water came in through the plate becasue their is no gasket. Now that the tank is full and the plug is in will the water continue to come in and overflow the tank and fill the bilge?

 

[Bert17825]

Keep the ballast fill and vent closed, without leaks

The top of the ballast tank fill mount is normally above the waterline, but you should always close the fill and the vent and make sure they seal. I have experienced cases of water leaking into the bilge from the fill and vent when the boat is heavily loaded, especially with too much weight in the stern. Also, some water may spill into the bilge just from normal heeling while sailing.I suggest you replace the gasket and rubber vent plug as necessary to prevent leaks. You may also want to caulk the area between the top of the ballast tank, in the area of the fill valve.and the liner. That way, if the valve or vent leak a little bit, you will see the water and it will be contained there.Bert

 

[Tom2909]

Tank can empty under way

Without a tight seal, the water flowing past the valve as the boat moves through the water will tend to suck water out of the ballast tank (due to the venturi effect). The loss of ballast can make the boat dangerously unstable.Fair winds, Tom

 

[crazy dave condon]

good advice from both. thanks

they hit it on the nail head. You will need to take the boat out of the water to replace the gasket. Neoprene rubber glued onto that drain plate under the boat.