26s Water Ballast Not Completely Filling

[lawton005]

Hello (again)

I've seperated this post from my previous one on the stuck keel to track the issues independently. We have a MacGregor 26s that we've enjoyed for a couple of years. When we put it in the water this past weekend (after several months on a trailer), we had some trouble with the water ballast filling completely. I removed the plug and turned the 'wing nut' counter clockwise until it reached the clevis pin. It filled some to where we could visibly see water in the tank but it did not reach the point where we could feel it with our finger (as usual). We tried leaving it open for a long while and tried 'put-putting' around with our small motor to see if that would help, but no joy. We're nevous about trying to sail with it not being full. Can anyone offer some advice on what we might try differently?

Any help will be greatly appreciated,

Thanks,

John

[EZ]

My guesses:
1) Water pressure might be causing the valve to close for some reason.
2) There is a stuck gasket or seal that is partially leaking.

Can you check the valve with the boat on the trailer? Look underneath and see if it is opening and closing.

I would definitely sort this out before sailing again. Possible safety issue here.

[lawton005]

Thanks EZ... We're hoping to fix this one in the water. Hope I don't have to break out my scuba gear. Do you know how full it needs to be? Eg: if I put a rod down through the hole and measured the depth, how much do we need?