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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 250 Specific Forum

Water Ballast Question

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Gene DeMambro
1st Mate

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33 Posts

Initially Posted - 02/23/2007 : 19:50:39

My friend Mike is considering a C-250 and has a question about water-ballast:

Since the water is in the ballast, whatever is in the water is now in the ballast hold. Does that ever present problems with critters, chemicals or solid pollution in the hold at all?

I apologize in advance if this is not all that difficult question, as I am not too familiar with the C-250.

Cheers,
Gene

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bill bosworth
Navigator

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USA
172 Posts

Response Posted - 02/23/2007 : 21:47:16

Gene;
the ballast tank is well sealed from the hull, but I find that if I fill the ballast tank with lake water, seal it off and let it brew over the summer, our lake gets up to about 90 degrees for a couple of months, that stink when draining the tank is something to behold. We are able to prevent this problem by adding about a pint of clorox to the tank vent afer filling.
Bill
c250 wb #134 Serendipity

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bear
Admiral

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USA
909 Posts

Response Posted - 02/24/2007 : 06:57:32

I'll second that procedure..

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willy
Captain

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USA
422 Posts

Response Posted - 02/26/2007 : 15:54:11

Gene,
I actually take it a step further...since I launch and haul once a year I actually fill the ballast with the hose on the pier! Never had a bit of odor.
Willy

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Bob Jack
1st Mate

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USA
58 Posts

Response Posted - 02/27/2007 : 09:48:29

This may be in the "dumb question" catagory...but I've wondered ...how do you fill the ballast at the pier with a hose...How much water does it hold...
Thanks, Bob

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dubedoo
1st Mate

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68 Posts

Response Posted - 02/27/2007 : 11:11:59

Hi Bob,

I haven't done it but if you were going to fill the ballast tank by hose you might do so through the tanks air vent located in the anchor locker. As far as how much water, my spec sheet lists the displacement of the boat dry at 2400 lbs. and at 3600 lbs. wet. With water weighing about 8.34 lbs. per gallon I've figured that we're carrying around about 144 gallons when full. I've been curious but never curious enough to figure a way to measure it and see if this is accurate.

Steve C250 wb #702

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britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 02/27/2007 : 13:51:41

Filling via the WB air vent would probably take some time as you also have to allow space in the vent for air to escape!

Our plan is to make up a gallon jug of chorline 10% solution and after pulling the boat at the ramp, dump in the gallon via the ven (with the hull valve closed) Then during the trip home, it should slosh around pretty well. When home we can rinse it out.

We plan on doing the same thing for the water tanks to keep em fresh.

Paul

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sdaly66
Navigator

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USA
143 Posts

Response Posted - 02/27/2007 : 14:44:12

And....

The manual says after adding the clorox solution through the air vent to run fresh water for a minute or so to rinse any bleach off of the hoses. i don't know if the bleach can do damage, but I always rinse after adding the bleach.

Of course, I fill when I launch and the water stays there until the winter when I haul.

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mjnee
1st Mate

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USA
36 Posts

Response Posted - 03/12/2007 : 12:15:00

Thanks for the help.
I just bought the Catalina 250 WB and you've given me the answer to the first of many questions.
Mike

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Ben - FL
Admiral

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880 Posts

Response Posted - 03/12/2007 : 20:15:12

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by mjnee
 Thanks for the help.
I just bought the Catalina 250 WB <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Welcome to the forum Mike and here's hoping you have a wonderful time with your new lady..., mistress..., S.O., ah... whatever you want to call her!

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Gene DeMambro
1st Mate

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33 Posts

Response Posted - 03/17/2007 : 19:57:35

I see you've bought your boat Mike! This is what I get for not checking my e-mail...

Gene

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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.