Air Ballast Tanks

[Tomsk]

How do I know if I have water ingressed in my stern ballast tanks? They have all sorts of screws and bits fastened to them, but if water gets in, how do I get it out??

Since the decks are self draining I can't see that much could seep in, but still...

Any ideas?

<hr width=100% size=1>Tomsk -

What the hell... it's only money!

 

[jfm]

I'm confused Tomsk. What do you want in your ballast tanks if not (pumpoutable) water? They aren't much cop as ballast tanks if they are just full of air. Might as well turn them into cupboards

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Tomsk]

They don't have any designed way of letting water in or pumping it out! They just lie either side of the engine! Surveyor just said they were air ballast tanks - ok to screw into but make sure the hole is sealed...

<hr width=100% size=1>Tomsk -

What the hell... it's only money!

 

[PhilF]

cut an access panel and have a look, or don't worry about it. Are we all as fussy as this with our cars!! Only a question ?

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Tomsk]

Hi PhilF

Though my car looks a wreck (!) I guess I am as fussy.. can't abide any squeaks and rattles!

But mainly this is due to planing problems (see post on Bigger Trim Tabs).. any water in there would be making my already poor performance worse!



<hr width=100% size=1>Tomsk -

What the hell... it's only money!

 

[jfm]

Hmm I'm no wiser. Air = ballast? Is this a wind-up? Surveyor seems to be talking bolx? If air is ballast material I'm pleased to say I have several cubic metres of the stuff in my saloon and cabins, plus a whole load on the foredeck, and if I feel like I need a bit more ballast I can open a window to let it in.

The good thing about air is that the atmosphere is full of it, so you dont need a tank to contain it. So why not just rip the tanks out and sling em in a skip, then you'll still have exactly the same amount of air ballast on board but without worrying about leaky tanks

Are they buoyancy tanks

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[itsonlymoney]

I am a little confused about these "air tanks" and I also have a Bayliner, definetly not got any on my boat. please ellaborate Tomsk.
Ian

<hr width=100% size=1>Play the best game you can with the cards you've been dealt ! ! !

 

[jhr]

I wonder if these are inaccessable voids inside the hull (i.e. completely glassed in spaces)? Quite a lot of US production boats have these - though usually in the bilges rather than either side of the engines - and there has been some debate in the past about whether this is a big and/or clever thing to do with a boat, particularly if you can't see when a leak springs up.

In which case, I'd go along with the suggestion of cutting an inspection hole and perhaps filling the space with foam, to avoid the "hilarious" consequences of an unseen leak.

<hr width=100% size=1>Je suis Marxiste - tendance Groucho

 

[Nauti Fox]

Agree with Ian Tom,could it be something to do with the new engine installation?
Al.

<hr width=100% size=1>No dear,the water goes in the other one.

 

[Divemaster1]

Just a quick comment from a "Noggie" who have some experience with a couple Bayliners ... limited admittedly, but still some.

Could be, as pointed out boyancy tanks,... but could also be part of Bayliners "mass production"... if the hull / deck, is similar to the "sportfisher" range, then it could actually be fish tanks, or bait tanks. Ie' just left from the production line, but as your boat is not "one of those", they have simly been glassed in. Had a "Trophy" once (short while) with these on both sides of the engine, but they did have an access hatch on the aft deck.

Agree with others, if no other way of accessing, then an inspection hatch is a good alternative and fill with foam. Or of course, make it in to a suitable storage space for tools, parts and accessories....

<hr width=100% size=1>Alf

 

[itsonlymoney]

Just had a thought. If these tanks whatever they are do indeed have a leak, surely if you cut an access panel in there you could have big problems. Get it out the water before any cutting.
Ian

<hr width=100% size=1>Play the best game you can with the cards you've been dealt ! ! !

 

[Jim44]

Could you post a picture of these tanks??

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[KevB]

I think we are looking at this from the wrong angle. Maybe they are Buoyancy tanks to keep it afloat once the osmosis has eaten through the hull!! ;¬)

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Tomsk]

Ok, I've had a goof look at these today - always easier to describe when you are on the boat as I am now..

They are basically sealed 'voids' who's only purpose appears to be to create a flat platform either side of the engine instead of the V of the hull. Definately original not added later. They are about 12" deep towards the centre and approx 5 feet long... I think they are there to look tidy!

I can't see eny problem with making a small inspection hole in the top to check them out. If you never hear from me again then I sunk!

<hr width=100% size=1>Tomsk -

What the hell... it's only money!

 

[whisper]

Surely they are simply buoyancy tanks and should be left well alone unless you want to fill them up with CLOSED cell foam.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Nauti Fox]

We've got one moored right behind us,if they are about this weekend I'll see if I can get onboard to have a look,also ask them about what speed etc.
Al.

<hr width=100% size=1>No dear,the water goes in the other one.