Water Tank Questions

[sailorladyliz]

I have a 84 Hunter 25.5 and have a couple of questions I would like help with. I have been putting off the task of cleaning out the fresh water tank since I've owned the boat . There was not an owners manual with boat so I am at a loss to know what size the tank is. I have read where one owner stated his was a 25 gal tank and then another owner stated his was a 12 gal tank, both the same year and same model as my boat. Was there such a big difference in the sizes of the tanks on this boat model ? Secondly, I mainly daysail with a few overnighters so I don't really need the fresh water, I use bottled water. So would it be better to leave the tank empty after I clean it or fill it to balance the boat or whatever reason? I know there is some water in the tank but don't know how much. I really don't want to refill the tank unless it would help the sailing ability cause I can use all the help I can muster up to be a better sailor!

 

[Bill Roosa]

If you don't need the tank then I would surmise that the boat would be lighter without the water in the tank and preform better. If you are not going to use the tank then just empty it and don't bother cleaning it. If you do want to clean it just use bleach, fill the tank 3/4 fulland add a cup or so of bleach, go for a sail to swirl things around and then empty it.

 

[woodster]

I have a 84 Hunter 25.5 and have a couple of questions I would like help with. I have been putting off the task of cleaning out the fresh water tank since I've owned the boat . There was not an owners manual with boat so I am at a loss to know what size the tank is. I have read where one owner stated his was a 25 gal tank and then another owner stated his was a 12 gal tank, both the same year and same model as my boat. Was there such a big difference in the sizes of the tanks on this boat model ? Secondly, I mainly daysail with a few overnighters so I don't really need the fresh water, I use bottled water. So would it be better to leave the tank empty after I clean it or fill it to balance the boat or whatever reason? I know there is some water in the tank but don't know how much. I really don't want to refill the tank unless it would help the sailing ability cause I can use all the help I can muster up to be a better sailor!

i think you can get the manual here on this site they have a lot of info for hunters i am not sure where to tell you to look on this site but someone will help you i am sure of that...as far as the water tank ...peggy hall has a book called getting rid of boat odors and in it is a section about water tanks and how to take care of them along with how to clean them

good luck and hunting ...this is the best site on the net

 

[sailorladyliz]

Thank you for your responses Bill and Woodster. Yes, I have read and plan to follow Peggy's instructions for cleaning and disinfecting the water tank. I was more or less wondering about the performance of the boat with the tank empty on the starboard side especially if it were the larger tank. I did find the specifications for my boat but no manual and I do agree this is the best sailing site on the net. Thanks again.

 

[twodzusfittings]

I have found when the tank is full, my weight distribution is better balanced, even with two full six gallon gasoline tanks for my outboard. I flush the water tank every so often to freshen the water. I like the feel with a full load, but cannot advise about speed.

 

[sailorladyliz]

Thank you Robert for your response. The balance is one of the things is what I was wondering about.

 

[MaxinCalgary]

I know on my 260 the boat seems to be more balanced with my bow water tank full.
I know that it's ideal to have all the weight under the mast but with most trailer sailers , with outboards and gas tanks they tend to drag their transoms .

 

[Mike in Cape Cod]

I have a 5 gallon water bladder bag that came with my 23.5 but I stopped using it as it holds five gallons and it sweats moisture on the outside and caused the area under the sink to form mold which I removed with bleach. Now I use bottled water. The weight distribution is not a problem when sailing as the boat heels anyway , so it is not of any concern.

 

[sailorladyliz]

I found some paperwork from the boat with a brochure describing how to install a flexible water tank so I am thinking that is what I have. That would also explain the moisture I found on the panel between the aft berth and where the tank is suppose to be. I just need to vacuum out as much of the tank as I can and leave it. Thanks for all the replies.