unknown objects

[EASI54]

Can anyone explain the purpose of the following objects located in the bilge just aft of the keel in the following pics. There is a letter "L" stamped on each of the two. My quess is it had something to do with the loading of the keel ballast. What is the importance of them remaining there if any?

Thanks,

Jean

[DGreenwood]

Probably trim ballast or what is left of it after some trim changes. That small amount would not effect much on a boat of the size that I am surmizing from the photograph. It could also be zinc ingots for use on the hull (looks like a steel boat?).

Clean your bilge dude...it's a mess!!

[EASI54]

Yea, it's a mess! You should have seen it BEFORE this stage. I had to remove the motor to get to it. It had some fuel leakage problems and the like and wasn't easliy accessible, trust me. Yes it is a aluminum sailboat and these unknowns were under the bilge pump. What is it?

[Stephen Ditmore]

Is it possible a prop shaft once penetrated the hull there?

[EASI54]

Stephen,

Not a prop shaft I'm sure. This is a custom sailboat made in France and most likely had something to do with inserting ballast into the keel. How are keels loaded to begin with? Before or after installation?

I am clueless.

[yokebutt]

Looks like a couple of pigs of lead. Is somebody trying to sink your boat?

Yoke.

[Bergalia]

Looks like a couple of lead pigs added as extra trim ballast. What weight each ? A kilo a time would make them as likely trim pigs.

[D'ARTOIS]

What everybody else said: trimballast!

[EASI54]

I hadn't a clue on what was observed. I needed all your experienced eyes!

Thank all for your responses..


More questions to follow eventually...

A new boat owner for the first time.