Help Ballast Issues!

[zizillia]

Hi,

I have a seamaster 27 (1974) which used to have a Volvo Penta Engine, the previous owner replaced this with a Ford Transit Engine and then helpfully took the Iron Ballast with him when he sold us the boat.

We are rather Stern heavy, which at the moment doesnt affect motoring as our engine is not working! but when we stay the weekend as we work on it, we are very aware that the Bow is much too high... and not only will this cause issues when we get it motoring again, it makes it impossible to sleep in our cabin as we roll backwards!

I have looked at leadshot ballast (about 600lb?) but its very expensive, does anyone know anything about the waterballast bags you can get? We have no motor access so these will also be alot easier to get to the boat!

Help!

Thanks,

Gemma (zizillia)

[Stumble]

The problem with water ballast systems is that they take a huge amount of internal ballast compared to lead. It will take about 11 times the volume of water to weigh the same a lead. If you are trying to do it on the cheap, there are a number of places to source scrap lead which may be cheaper than lead shot. You could also look at using other scrap metals or even bags of sand and gravel. would be better than using water.

Step through this thread:

thinking about snagging a 26' sloop that needs lots of help.


that may.............

Regards
Richard

[zizillia]

Thanks Stumble, I think we're going to use sandbags .. will cost around £50.00 to do it that way rather than £300.00 for lead!

Cheers!