Items on water ballast models.
Just wondering if any one can post a plan on the web site of a Deltacraft Mark 2, water ballast model, showing where these tanks are positioned.
Thanks in advance. - Received January 2015
The water line on the Islander is the Datum point so all measurements are taken from here particularly the freeboard. If the ballast tanks on a Deltacraft are not full all the figures are different from the design drawings.
Fixed ballast boats dont need to worry. The positioning of the tanks is to give correct "Trim" and Center of Gravity, consequently the tanks (three co-joined) are mainly forward of the "V" berths and underneath the cabin sole terminating at the aft end of the cabin floor. There is a tank also under the floor under the cabin table extending aft to the storage bin in front of the shower cubicle. (3 tanks)
No "Free surface is permitted" with the tanks as this will promote another rolling action in the boat, so all tank tops are well below the water line unless the tanks are empty. Empty tanks are not recommended whilst underway.
Do not drill into the tank tops. Tanks may be left permanently full whilst the boat is on a mooring.
Marine Growth will only occur where there is light and the tanks may be blocked off at the two keel openings.
Steve Leonard.
Email received 15 November 2015
I've bought a trailer to transport the Deltacraft MK11.
I will pick her up next week if all goes to plan. As I see it, the difficult part will be winching the boat on to the trailer and supporting it untill the rollers can be adjusted.
Plus can you or anyone else help me on the procedure to drain the water ballast from this boat.
Reply - It drains automatically.
There are two open holes in the bottom of the boat and a higher air vent.
Once on the trailer if the water is not running out the bottom holes they may be blocked with marine growth. The ballast will automatically fill when you launch her each time and drain when you haul her out.
Ballast tanks are also mention on the lower section of the Forum Page 1.
Half way down this MK 11 Brochure page you will find information on water ballast.
Another article states:-
The trailer version utilises self-draining water ballast tanks. These tanks automatically fill up with water within seconds of the craft coming off its trailer. From then on the Deltacraft has the equivalent stability of many kgs of ballast - where it counts.
You must remember that water ballast becomes a permanent addition to stability while the boat is afloat and ensures it stay almost rock-steady in the water. With the water discharged the boat is lighter to trail, which is one of the key attributes you want.
It's an idea that works really well with this type of craft and should be a winner with trailer boat buyers.
Trailers & Water Ballast
Do the covers for the ballast have to be opened before or after launch.
Read it in Page 11 of the Forum.
Could someone please advise the correct method of operating the water ballast system in the Delta Trailable.
Steve replied:-
Just leave the cockpit drivers footrest screw cap undone and the one under the forward V berth...this will enable the tank to fill automatically. Then tighten them after the boat has settled say 10 mins. When retrieving onto the trailer undo the caps to allow the water to drain away,do this before getting the boat back onto the trailer..Job done.