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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 250 Specific Forum

Test for leaks in WB

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Paulster 123
Deckhand

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3 Posts

Initially Posted - 08/21/2017 : 15:06:36

Can anyone offer suggestions on how to check for leaks in the water ballast on a 250? I remember a post suggesting dye, but not sure how that would work.

I'm very interested in buying a 250WB, but think it unwise not to check the water ballast for leaks.

Thanks very much!

zeil
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1297 Posts

Response Posted - 08/25/2017 : 19:49:33

Launch the boat on fresh or salt water. Fill WB tank with water. Let the boat sit for a few days. After a few days check coamings, below the head and galley for wetness and look for possible water stains or traces. Check bilge for water accumulation If there is water in the bilge taste it to determine fresh or salt.

Possibilities
1) A leak somewhere above the waterline
2) Your tap or head water system may have a leak
3) The WB tank may have seepage. Determine where the seepage is coming from and determine a solution depending on the location(s) of the leak(s)
3a) Some, a very small amount, may enter through the hull inlet valve when ballasting the tank.

BTW We traveled extensively with a'95 C250 WB during the last 13 years (one trip of 13 months covering 17,000 miles or 25000km) plus annually many trips, some up to several months. We never have encountered any problems. IMHO Starting in 1994 the then new C250 WB are very tough, well constructed and built.

Henk & Johanna
"Floating", a few off your "barnacles".
"Someday Lady" '95 C250WB #151 ('03 - 2016)
"Sea ya" 30ft Bayliner (04-2018 - 09-2018)
"Mariah" '96 C250WB #191 (05-2019 - 15-05-2023)
"Lady J" '00 C250WK #499 (05-2021 - 09-2022)

glivs
Admiral

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USA
822 Posts

Response Posted - 08/26/2017 : 04:20:47

Off topic - Glad to hear from you Henk. The fires in BC this summer are frightening. Stay safe.

Gerry & Leslie; Malletts Bay, VT
"Great Escape" 1989 C-25 SR/WK #5972

zeil
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1297 Posts

Response Posted - 08/27/2017 : 16:03:25

We missed all of you too...this forum has been central in our sailing experience during the last 13 years.

During the last 5 weeks, two weeks in July and 3 weeks in August, we took our beloved '95 C250 WB #151 up again to Desolation Sound and as far north as Toba Inlet. Loved it and had a great time sailing over 350 nm during mostly great conditions.

However smoke from inland fires severely hampered the view almost the entire trip. In fact in some cases it was so dense that we had to rely entirely on GPS & Navionics. Too bad since the view of the snow capped north shore mountains, surrounding islands, waterfalls, etc is absolutely breathtaking.

But... other areas compensated such as supreme water temperature in the 22 degree C or about 75 degree F range which is just great for swimming and having wonderful weather throughout with only 2 days of rain.

A word of caution.

Whenever you visit the area watch out for deadheads, floating logs
or other floaties. During the last week, we hit a log dead on the nose at a full 5 nm. The bow fortunately pushed the 10 inch by 10ft or so log down, kicked up the center board and raised the rudder but somehow missed the outboard.

The boat became instantly unmanageable until, in headwinds and very choppy conditions, were able to lower the rudder again. Besides being shaken up and having anti-fouling paint scraped off the bow little damage was sustained but... we remained apprehensive, until later, when we pulled the boat and could inspect the bottom.

A bit practical advise from my son-in-law... whenever you motor, except in marina's harbours, etc. put your motor in pull-up position in order for the motor to swing up should anything hit the outboard motor.

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.