Water Ballast & Keel Ballast

[jag459]

The lead portion of the keel on our 78' ILC Maxi was destroyed. This is presenting us with the opportunity to replace the keel with a newer shallow draft design for use in shallower coastal waters. We have also been considering the installation of a movable water ballast system with a 4000 to 8000lb capacity which would possibly allow us to further reduce the draft and increase righting moment.
We have no intention of replacing the keel with water ballast but we are trying to reduce the draft to a minimum. We are conferring with the marine architect who designed the boat however, we like to gather information on it from as many sources as possible before making a decision. We have designed a water ballast system that will be able to move over 4000lbs (500gals) in 4 minutes using two 3700GPH pumps.
We are just in the research stages at this time and would appreciate any input or advice we can get. The boat is 78'oa, 18' beam, 28Tons, 13.5' draft (current keel configuration).

[Skippy]

Water ballast will buy you speed at the cost of self-righting ability. That's a matter of preference and the type of sailing you expect to do. For heavy-duty cruising, I've always liked the idea of a bulb, as long as it's sturdy enough.

[usa2]

Jag459 would this 78' ILC maxi just happen to be FALCON 2000?

Water ballast works to a certain degree, but usually only in boats that were designed for it. If it is a maxi boat you are dealing with and it isnt designed for water ballast you can put some serious stresses on parts of the hull that were not designed to be carrying the load of ballast. Of course you could reinforce the hull, but if the hull is in need of reinforcing, why not put on a lifting keel? I think it is Alchemy, a 77' sled that has a lifting keel that draws 14' down and 9' up. If this is a 78 footer and one installed the right gear and reinforcements in the hull and put a lifting keel on. That would be easier to operate than a waterballast system and somewhat safer, because if something malfunctions the boat wont have ballast stuck on the wrong side or have it filling with water. The only problem would be if the keel was dropped somehow if the hydraulic rams were overextended, but i think there is a sort of catch that can be put on that will keep the keel from dropping completely clear.

Another idea would be to put on a 8-11 foot deep wing keel. generally doesnt perform well and is hard to get into a "groove" steering the boat but you will turn faster and have your weight low with the wings. If you plan on trying to race this boat than wings might make her even slower than she was originally.

anyway, good luck on your project!

[jag459]

Yes, this is the Falcon 2000. We are currently exploring all options for either repairing or replacing the keel that was damaged during hurricane Ivan.

[usa2]

So are the options you considering just waterballast and smaller keel? or are you also considering different keel configurations such as lifting, winged, etc...?