MacGregor developed this concept. It
has been widely copied, and is now the standard throughout the trailerable
sailboat industry. It makes it possible to have very light weight for
powering and trailering, and the heavy stability necessary for safe sailing.
After launching, the transom valve is opened and a tank in the bottom of the
hull is gravity filled with 1150 lbs of sea water. It takes about 5 minutes.
The valve is then closed, trapping the water. 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. The car and trailer start up the
ramp and the water drains out of the boat, leaving a trailering package that
is lighter than most small powerboats. You can also empty the tank while the
boat is in the water. Under power, at about 6 mph, open the valve on the
transom and the tank will drain in about 5 minutes.
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