prodigal1 wrote:
wrote:

However, now I'm getting more curious because the consensus
seems to be that the length of the boat is not an issue.

it isn't
google for Tania Aebi and Contessa 26
no water ballast...
but why the hell would you want it?

Thanks prodigal. I've found a few Contessa 26 at yachtworld.com
all of which are over 20 years old.

With a water ballast you can let the water out to reduce the
weight of the boat so you can tow it with a car or small SUV.

Another idea is to build a trailerable boat with a water ballast
tank and put a bag inside this tank for storing up to 150 gallons
of diesel (in addition to 20 gallons in the standard fuel tank).
Sea water can be added to the ballast tank as fuel is drawn out
without seriously affecting the weight distribution of the boat.

How far do you think a 26' boat can travel on 170 gallons of
diesel without using the sails ?