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Ok guys, whoever has some or KNOWS the right ones to get, please post here, the wife has approved of a generous budget for MODS....before the summer, i need a water BLADDER (flexible type) to go under the birthing in the aft of the boat. i know there was talk of these before, just wanted to know from someone that has it or knows which is best....Thanks
Keith.

Ah forgot to add 26M 2005 model.

I added a 50 gallon platismo under the rear berth. Works quite well! it is a bit shallow under there. I put a 16 gallon under there before, but I couldn't get all of the water out since it is so squashed under there. So I went a bit overkill!

I put a 31 gal triangle shaped one in the bow. Took out some flotation beneath the front berth to fit it. I replaced foam through out the boat.

One day I'll post mod.

Anyway, I know my installation is not exactly what and where you're considering. I mentioned it because depending on how much weight you have hanging off your transom [motor] and in your cockpit [24 gals of gas] [plus my phat A$$], you might want to reconsider where you place that bladder.


Plus if you consider the front installation with a triangle shape, I have an extra one

I forgot I ordered one - it took so long. And ordered another. I'll let it go for 90 bucks - it's brand new. They cost around $130 + shipping. See...



If anyone's interested PM me.

I put it in the rear berth due to M's being fairly nose heavy..wanted to even out the boat a bit. Helped a little

I haven't noticed my Mac being nose heavy? I thought it twas the other way around - - - with what Gazmn said - - - the engine, two 12 gallon fuel tanks and my phat a**.

What do you others think? Is a Mac nose heavy

Rick

I have walked by other 26M boats and when they are filled with ballast it is very apparrent that they are nose heavy, for some reason mine is not as pronounced ('03 Model). I have a square 50 litre plastimo flexible tank just aft of the companionway ladder so the weight is a bit more forward than the long rectangular 32 gallon ones. The water only lasts a few days though and then you refill it depending on use. I also have a 35# battery right back at the transom along with the 50hp honda and two gas tanks. We carry way to much stuff too! I might move that bladder more forward some day but first I'd like to move that battery forward. If I put the bladder in the bow I might be able to get more water in it cause it gets real pregnant when you fill it and as Paul mentioned it is a bit shallow back there but I do get it quite full.

I forgot that I also have two batteries underneath the companionway stairs. I'll have to look at some other M's (there are plenty around me); as I have never noticed they are nose heavy when ballast is filled?

Rick

Shouldn't the moveable weights, such as passengers, water bladders, ice chests, and so on be distributed so that the boat rests level in calm water, or have a slight bias toward being heavy in the rear???

I have the same as Gazm. I also have a lot of stuff forward. The heaviest being two anchors with rode and chains. As you can see in the picture, Nice Aft does sit a wee bit low in the bow (I've been reading too many Highlander threads). When this was taken, the bladder was empty. When filled, the bladder adds an additional 248 lbs.


As an aside, I also have an electric pump connected to the bladder so I have real power at the sink. I also have a shower concealed in the stern well that is also hooked up to the bladder and pump. It does make for daring cold showers early in the morning, or when it's dark


Ray

Ray;

When this pic was taken - - - what was the status of ballast?

Rick

. I wish you would not call them bladders, although I know it is an acceptable description. Bladders remind me of water "after" rather than before. HOH HOH HOH.
Any chemists listening ??

Wal-Mart sells the typical standard 5-gallon collapsable bottles same dispenser cap as the Mac is usually equipped with

Rick,

I don't remember.

I generally don't empty the ballast, but I can't honestly tell one way or the other. Why?

Ray

Yes, Wal Mart does for $4.99 - - - so I bought a couple for future replacement and for extra water when necessary - - - all I will ever need as no one takes showers on board (they are taken on shore - - - almost always available and better).

But I highly recommend the ones that Wal Mart sells, even if just for emergencies.

Rick

I have a 35 gal bladder under the v berth. I rarely fill it more than 10-15 gallons for weekend trips,so it doesn't seem like the weight would be that much of an issue. For extended trips,I would fill the bladder more,but I would also be carrying more fuel,so it should be somewhat of a wash.
Also,we carry a ton of crap in the rear berth,and that offsets some of the weight too.

I thought I read somewhere that they altered the balance of the ballast system. Was this done to compensate for heavier engines - & fatter A$$es

If this is true what years and models are affected. Mine is a 97 and I know I'm stern heavy so have batteries, anchor & chain x2 and about 200#s of water forward.

This is me sans mast and water ballast :

While not the greatest picture you can see the rear slope and notice how much bottom paint is showing at the bow.

Strangely, I find my boat evens out when I put in the water ballest