Optimum locations for water tank on a 26' crusing sailboat?

[Donald Bland]

Can anyone please guide me in choosing optimum locations for placing new bladder water tanks in a 26' cruising sailboat.? She was built in 1958 FRP fiberglass, she's very thick hulled and quite strong, We annually cruse the Caribean & cross the gulf stream, she can plow in weather. I am thinking 50 (fifty) gallons at the center of where an engine might usually be located? She has no engine, & now has a 20-gallon tank under the v-berths, it s often hard to find good water where we like to anchor.I'm thinking I'd like to keep the bow & stern weights both to minimums?
Years ago I remember seeing a fellow who had the same design boat post a drawing stating he had found improved seaway stability by stowing 300 lbs of chain rode in the bilge, just forward of the mast step ? Does that ring a bell with anyone here?
*All thoughts from this group shall be appreciated heartily,
many thanks & fair breeses to you all.

 

[gonzo]

The problem with bladders is that they don't have baffles or any particular shape; they take the shape of the space they are installed in. In spite of the advantages for installation, when they are not full, the water sloshes around freely. That can cause problems when the boat pitches and rolls, and the water slams into the sides of the compartment. I think that it would be better to have two smaller tanks. Without knowing the shape of your boat, it is difficult to tell where the bladder or bladders should be placed.

 

[TANSL]

The problem with multiple tanks is that you need more pipe, more controls, etc.. For sloshing to be a problem, it must be a very large tank. In small ship tanks this problem is not usually present and the pernicious effects of free surfaces are solved with simple balance bulkheads. If the tank is placed longitudinally, it is very possible that even these bulkheads are not needed.
As for the situation, in the lowest possible place and so that when consuming the liquid it does not affect the trim of the boat, in the center line and longitudinally near the geometric center of the float.

 

[BlueBell]

Donald,

Welcome to the forum.

That depends on your limitations.
I am not familiar with the boat.

You could install them in a manner that lets you trim the vessel, like ballast tanks.
But that requires extra plumbing and lots of attention.

 

[jehardiman]

The simple answer, as TANSL said, is low and centered. 26', inboard sailboat circa 1960 you are talking something like a Folkboat or a Contessa 26. Boats of era and size typically have a twin pilot berth layout with very little volume under the cabin sole above the ballast. The place I'd put them is under the berths, strapped to the inboard vertical berth framing, and as close the mast bulkhead/compression post as possible.

 

[Donald Bland]

The problem with bladders is that they don't have baffles or any particular shape; they take the shape of the space they are installed in. In spite of the advantages for installation, when they are not full, the water sloshes around freely. That can cause problems when the boat pitches and rolls, and the water slams into the sides of the compartment. I think that it would be better to have two smaller tanks. Without knowing the shape of your boat, it is difficult to tell where the bladder or bladders should be placed.

Ah Ha , , yes, I see that is a good idea , many harty thanks , eh

The simple answer, as TANSL said, is low and centered. 26', inboard sailboat circa 1960 you are talking something like a Folkboat or a Contessa 26. Boats of era and size typically have a twin pilot berth layout with very little volume under the cabin sole above the ballast. The place I'd put them is under the berths, strapped to the inboard vertical berth framing, and as close the mast bulkhead/compression post as possible.

Yes, she is sort of Herreshoff's answer to the ubiquitious european folkboat. however she has no engine, as most 26 boat today do, I have a simple sculing oar for in close harbours, , thanks !

 

[Donald Bland]

Donald,

Welcome to the forum.

That depends on your limitations.
I am not familiar with the boat.

You could install them in a manner that lets you trim the vessel, like ballast tanks.
But that requires extra plumbing and lots of attention.

dthank you , I am not seeing any "clicker button" to send thanks or likes , however I see each "member" who has responded to me has atally of such prior acciladeds, eh? could some one point out hao , I might add "thanks" & "like" to the thoughtfull responses I have recieved ?

 

[Boat Design Net Moderator]

Welcome to the forum! Once you have a few more posts the like button will appear on the bottom right of each post in the main forums.

 

[Donald Bland]

Welcome to the forum! Once you have a few more posts the like button will appear on the bottom right of each post in the main forums.

Oh, well that being the rules, Please thank each of the members whom have taken their time to help me figure out how to bring my 75 year old boat up to , or closer to the 21st century, I doubt that I should have enough problems to make too many more posts, so I may never reach your "sufficient posting " qualificaton number , eh . However I greatly value reading these guys well considered ideas, they are mostly PROs and I am just an old man. whom know knowlege when he reads it, eh mtes? thanks , quite heartily to all.!
ol' Dony blandy

 

[BlueBell]

Dony B,

I remember the anchor chain thread you speak of.

Cheers

 

[Donald Bland]

Dony B,

I remember the anchor chain thread you speak of.

Cheers

hello Blubel sir, have you ever heard of the N.A. Dave Geer, he was /is a very interesting NA who designed a jib downhaul setup, that I use on my fore'sl to this day. I do not have roller furling , nor desire for such; the Gerr down haul enables me to douse m' head'sl, in 2.5 to 4 seconds, depending on the strength of the breezes, eh? It all comes down neatly on the fordeck , within the limite3d deck area ! and ready to stuff into it's suspended sail bag very nicly indeed! This ellicits a considerable amount of commentary from hi-dollar yachties, as I sail on just my yankee , right into most marinas/harbours, before I douse in more crowded area, & ship my 18 ft skullin oar. , So I see some really esteemed gents writing on this super interesting blog , I reckon all of you are fellows I'd be pleased & honored to meet & come to know in person, should providence so grant me, eh? All of you together are a true wealth of knowlege. I thank all of you for your kind responses.
Thanks boys !
Ol'Dony B

 

[BlueBell]

Good day Mr B,
Dave Gerr, yes, I have his propeller handbook and am in love with his Sea Sled design named: Interdictor?
Commercial https://www.gerrmarine.com/Commercial.html
Scroll down about two or three boats and there it is.
28' LOA and 60-knots ( 900 HP )
We really are quite a bunch here on the forum aren't we?!
Were lucky to now have you on board!
Cheers