Keep Lead Ballast Clean

[John Allen]

I am adding six 20kg blocks of lead ballast to my centre-boader in preparation for some larger sails next season. The whole boat is varnished and I like to keep it very clean. Does anyone know of a good way of keeping the lead blocks clean? I thought of painting with epoxy. One UK supplier supplies them already coated in pvc but at a very high price. Is there a way of coating them with pvc oneself? Thoughts much appreciated. I realise some will think this is all quite unnecessary, in which case I'd like to know if raw lead discolours the bilge.

[gonzo]

There is a product made to dip tool handles and rope ends that should work in that application. Lead takes paint well; an alkyd enamel would keep them clean.

[Polarity]

.. But make sure they are very secure, 120kg of lead relocating itself to the bookshelves can ruin your varnish...

I think the product mentioned above is called "Dip it-Whip it"... but I'm not going to look that up on google

As to the lead question, painting would be a good idea not only for aesthetics, but health as well. Lead is toxic, and although I don't anticipate you cuddling with your ballast it can wear from shifting around and create "dust".
The risk is small for adults, but much worse for any "sea pups" (kids) that may be about.
The Product for dipping tool handles is sold as "Dip-it" in the States, as to the other side of the pond, ?????
(P.S. epoxy rosin (glassfiber resin) will work as well)

[jehardiman]

OK, this is going to sound kind'a redneck, but for USN submarines portable lead ballast trimming blocks are wrapped in duct tape, yes, duct tape. We've tried many covering for the reasons stated aboove but no other really worked well (Note: these blocks get a fair amount of use because they are always going in or comming out during sea trials/trim dives to make up for missing load to submerge weights). Duct tape sticks better than paint and dip, is tougher and thinner than dipped coverings, easier to repair, better grip when wearing gloves, dust tight, noise quiet. Use the good cloth stuff. Size of the blocks are about 3"x3"x9" ~33 lbs ( 7.6x7.6x22.9 cm, 15 kg) which is about what a man can handle with one hand (while hanging upside down and bent backwards in a tank lightening hole) and still get a good grip.

Make sure the lead is canned or well secured. Having a 20 kilo rock bounce around the cabin in a knockdown would not be pretty.

[Buckle]

Have you tried using uranium. After the second gulf war, I image there are thousand's of dis-used uranium tiped war heads knocking about. Try your local MOD ship yards.

Uranium is 10 times denser than lead.

[jehardiman]

Originally Posted by Buckle

Uranium is 10 times denser than lead.

Nice try, but DU (sp. gr. ~18.95) is only about twice as dense as lead (sp. gr. 11.35), and about 83% as dense as osmium (sp. gr. 22.57) the most dense available material. It is much harder than lead though.

[1bille1]

, There's a product here in the States called "Herculiner". I believe it's a polyurethane coating - main use to protect the beds of pickup trucks. It's painted on and very thick bodied.