Valiant 40 Listing to Starboard

[skuhner]

I have a 1976 Valiant 40 that has developed a significant list to starboard over the past two years or so. We’ve taken ALL of the gear off and emptied the water tanks (both fuel tanks are full, but they are on the centerline), and there’s no water in the bilge, but she’s still listing. Has anyone else experienced this or have any ideas on a possible cause?

[Suijin]

Are you positive that the starboard water tank is empty? I noticed a list to starboard on my Valiant a few months ago and discovered that my starboard tank outflow was clogged with some sediment. I "ran out" of water much sooner than I expected, which is what clued me to the issue. I had thought the list was due to local conditions where I was anchored in terms of wind, current, and which side my anchor snubber was on.

I usually keep both tank valves open so the tanks equalize. It had been a few years since I had scoured out the tank. So unless you've opened the inspection port to confirm that the tank is empty, you can't be sure that it is.

There's no other explanation for your boat listing short of more mass being on the starboard side. The only other cause I can think of is the keel lead being bent to starboard but that's not realistically possible on a Valiant.