The Water Ballast System - How it Works
After launching, a valve on the transom is opened, and a water tank in the bottom of the hull is gravity filled with 800 lbs of sea water. The valve is then closed, trapping the water. Under power or sail, the 800 pounds make the boat stable and self righting. If the boat is going over 8 MPH and the valve is opened, the ballast tank will empty, allowing the boat to reach its maximum speed under power or sail. The tank can also be drained by pulling the boat on its trailer and opening the valve when the rig is on dry land. Gravity empties the tank. There is no reason to pull your car apart by hauling around the entire 800 pounds of ballast.
Because the rudders and centerboard retract completely, the boat sits very low on its trailer and can be launched at any ramp. The trailer has a boarding ladder for easy access and vertical rails to keep the boat centered while it is being launched and recovered. The boat is light and can be towed behind smaller cars. Costly, hard to find in-the-water moorings are unnecessary, and the trailer gives you unlimited access to the finest sailing waters. The 19 also makes a great camper when on the road.
One person can rig the boat, launch it at any convenient ramp and sail away in 10 to 15 minutes. We provide a simple, effective system for raising and lowering the mast. It is easy enough for a kid to do. The mast separates into two sections and can be stored in an out-of-the-way location in the cabin, as shown in the photo on the right. The mast joint is stronger than the mast itself and assembling the rig is quick and easy.
