I just bought a 2001 26X that I have only had out a couple times. I have been surprised at the amount of water in the ballast tank even when I thought I had emptied it.
When putting the boat in the water yesterday I heard bubbling sounds in the valve area. I only motored for about an hour, then the boat sat in the water overnight. When I took the boat out of the water and opened the valve a lot of water came out.
Are the valves prone to leak? What is the typical life expectancy? Where can I get a new one?
Thanks,
PeteC
Ballast Valve Leak
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Dimitri-2000X-Tampa
- Admiral
- Posts: 2043
- Joined: Fri Jan 02, 2004 5:36 am
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: Tampa, Florida 2000 Mercury BigFoot 50HP 4-Stroke on 26X hull# 3575.B000
When I bought my boat last year, the PO had botched the valve seals by doubling them. The incorrect installation caused them to leak. The valve on the Mac is a Valterra like they use for waste valves on an RV. I bought a new set of seals for about 5 bucks at camping world. I think most RV stores carry these. The new seals were easy to install and now it stays dry as a bone in the ballast tank with the boat slipped in the water. You shouldn't have to replace the whole valve unless the blade is bent or something like that.
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Duane Dunn, Allegro
- Admiral
- Posts: 2459
- Joined: Fri Jan 02, 2004 6:41 pm
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: Bellevue, Wa '96 26x, Tohatsu 90 TLDI and Plug In Hybrid Electric drive
- Contact:
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Dimitri-2000X-Tampa
- Admiral
- Posts: 2043
- Joined: Fri Jan 02, 2004 5:36 am
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: Tampa, Florida 2000 Mercury BigFoot 50HP 4-Stroke on 26X hull# 3575.B000
I just bought the rubber seals, not the whole valve. Camping world only carries the plastic bladed valve. The SS blade one is in the Valterra catalog but they were not online last time I looked...I'm not sure who carries them but if you called Valterra, they would help you find one I'm sure. I expect the SS blade is more durable but the plastic one will probably do fine unless you break it. I wonder which one would resist bottom growth better. The valves are pretty inexpensive.
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Frank C
My model 2000 Xboat has a stainless gate, has never leaked.
It's actually very important to be sure it's watertight. If it leaks, you're always going to be at risk for a partial ballast load. Partial ballast is the biggest risk factor that would cause these boats to be squirrely, unstable and unsafe. Every Mac owner should monitor that your ballast tank remains empty when you so choose.
It's actually very important to be sure it's watertight. If it leaks, you're always going to be at risk for a partial ballast load. Partial ballast is the biggest risk factor that would cause these boats to be squirrely, unstable and unsafe. Every Mac owner should monitor that your ballast tank remains empty when you so choose.