Ballast question

Discussion in 'Sailboats' started by infy, Feb 3, 2019.

  1. infy
    Joined: Jan 2019
    Posts: 11
    Likes: 1, Points: 3
    Location: USA

    infy Junior Member

    Sailboat design forum seems like the appropriate place to ask.

    So I occasionally observe conversations about rolly and uncomfortable conditions on the hook. Seems like a fair complaint.

    Sure you can do some anchor tricks.

    Why not hang some ballast bladders off the cleats port and starboard? Inflate them with 1000lbs each and drop them keel level. Or lower if available.
     
  2. tpenfield
    Joined: Dec 2016
    Posts: 280
    Likes: 30, Points: 28, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: Cape Cod, MA

    tpenfield Senior Member

    What are you inflating the bladders with? Water?

    Keep in mind that water has neutral buoyancy in water . . .
     
  3. infy
    Joined: Jan 2019
    Posts: 11
    Likes: 1, Points: 3
    Location: USA

    infy Junior Member

    Right, it would be like inflating a balloon for ballast out of water.

    You would keep them above the water line. I made an error above about dropping them. But above the waterline probably won't help.
     
  4. jehardiman
    Joined: Aug 2004
    Posts: 3,762
    Likes: 1,152, Points: 113, Legacy Rep: 2040
    Location: Port Orchard, Washington, USA

    jehardiman Senior Member

    Roll stabilizers (i.e. flopper stoppers) have a couple of centuries of use.
     
  5. infy
    Joined: Jan 2019
    Posts: 11
    Likes: 1, Points: 3
    Location: USA

    infy Junior Member

    Anyone have first hand experience with the flopper stopper systems on a sailboat?

    I've seen the Paravane systems with fish when under way. Like motor nordhavns.
     

    Attached Files:


  6. jehardiman
    Joined: Aug 2004
    Posts: 3,762
    Likes: 1,152, Points: 113, Legacy Rep: 2040
    Location: Port Orchard, Washington, USA

    jehardiman Senior Member

    They work, you just have to get them down below the wave orbital that effects the rolling (i.e. ~ 1/2 wave height+3 x vessel's beam). Then there is the storage and handling issues.
     
Loading...
Forum posts represent the experience, opinion, and view of individual users. Boat Design Net does not necessarily endorse nor share the view of each individual post.
When making potentially dangerous or financial decisions, always employ and consult appropriate professionals. Your circumstances or experience may be different.