How does the water ballast system work?
MacGregor developed the water ballast concept which has been widely copied and is now the standard throughout the trailerable sailboat industry. Water ballast makes it possible to achieve both the light weight needed for powering and towing, and the heavy weight and stability for safe sailing. After launching, the transom valve is opened, the tank in the bottom of the hull gravity-fills with 533 kg of sea water, and the valve is closed. This process takes approximately 5 minutes to complete. Under power or sail, the ballast makes the boat stable and self-righting. When the boat is floated back onto its trailer, the valve is opened. As the car and trailer start up the ramp the water automatically drains out of the boat, leaving a towing package that is lighter than most small powerboats. The tank can also be emptied whilst the boat is in the water. If the valve on the transom is opened while under power, at about 7 mph, the water will automatically drain from the tank in approximately 4
