ballast tank problem

[berful]

Hello! I have an 89 26D. Problem: The ballast system has two holes in the top.A large one that houses the mechanism that opens the tank on the bottom of the boat and a small hole for an air bleed. My boat has been in salt water so much that the mechanism that turns to open and close the bottom inlet on the ballast tank is frozen(rusted) in the tank open position. Can anyone suggest a solution including a source for the parts needed to replace all of the rusted ones? Any help would be appreciated!!

[Duane Dunn, Allegro]

BWY has all the parts inventory the factory used to have for the out of production boats. They also have all the factory drawings to have parts made if they no longer have stock of the old part.

http://www.bwyachts.com/BWYParts/info.htm

You can search for the parts, just pick your model and year on the parts list page.

[Ric K]

Berful:

I had a 26 D for 10 years. I solved the frozen valve problem the following way:

1) spray the assembly with W-40
2) clamp on some vice grips to the ballast actuator valve handle ( make sure to clear the fiberglass opening so you do not damage it)
3) carefuly pound on the vice grips in a counter clockwise direction with a rubber malett

As you gain movement back it off, add more WD-40, and repeat until the screw is workable.

Enjoy your boat, that is the fastest sailing 26 mac ever buillt!!!!

[Ric K]

Berful,
On edit , if your valve is stuck on open, then you are going to have to move it clockwise.
I would rearly open my ballast tank since I kept the boat in a slip. Opening the valve was a problem if I ever pulled the boat out for service.
Ric

[berful]

Fixed ballast tank problem this weekend. Since the large wing nut was stuck all the way at the top of the allthread I simply put the sawzall to it and installed a new wingnut and washer. Thanx 4 the help!