Hello
I have a Mac 26c can I fill the water ballast tanks with fresh water while the boat is in the hoist ready to be dropped in the sea ? Last year grit got stuck in the filler plug under the hull had to be hoisted out again had to be washed out bit of a time waster, will she snap in two if filled in the sling,
Regards Chris Williams ,
Hi Chris
I don't think there's any structural issues having the ballast full when on a sling. When you think about it, it's being supported the same way as on the trailer, and it's normal to haul the boat out with the ballast in prior to emptying it.
But filling it is going to take a long time, as it will have to be by hose into the vent. You can always do that after she's back in the water of course.
I'm not familiar with the 26C valve, I've only had later Macs with a slide valve on the transom, I gather your one is under the hull.
Question for C owners I guess: is a leaking valve a common problem?
Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight
wouldnt worry about the sand , it will rionse out next time you fill it. I now out then you could filll via vent hole but why not leave transom valve open to allow it to flush out.
Roly
I have a C and on the few occasions I have dried out, the ballast tank plug/valve has leaked and almost emptied the tanks. The tanks do not refill when the tide comes back in, until I re-open the valve. It is not a problem as long as I remember to re-open. At all other times the tanks remain full.
Quentin Sands, past owner
1991 26C Mrs MacGregor
1993 Mac19, Margarita
My mobile transom valve used to leave on drying out and sometimes on motoring or sailing at speed but I took it apart and packed out the other ring and it seems good now.
Roly
Hello Thank you for all your replays , I will fill with fresh water (tap buy the side of boat ) and give it a go my main concern was it would snap in half when lifted buy the hoist ,