Ballast and how and what to use.

[j_k_bisson]

Recently been running my boat everyday for a week, automotive shutdown, and have figured out that my boat seams to be a bit stern heavy or front end light. I have played with adding buckets of water to various areas to see where and how much weight make the boat run better. I have figured out how much weight I would like to add and where.

My question is what to use and how to secure it. I was thinking of making up custom double layer sand bags and using them. But wont they draw in moisture. How about lead shot. Will the original lead shot bags hold up to constand rubbing against fiberglass? The areas will possibly come in contact moisture/water whenboat is in use.

Any and all ideas are welcome. Looking for a solution to this problem.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Ballast and how and what to use.

Curious as to just how much weight you're going to add?

 

[dingbat]

Re: Ballast and how and what to use.

Lead shot is normally used.

 

[j_k_bisson]

Re: Ballast and how and what to use.

Well I found my boat runs better with three 5 gallons of water just in front of the gas tank, and 4 pails down below in the cuddy.

Now we need to remeber a few things about my set up. I'm a bit stern heavy. Like around 300-350 lbs heavier than what factory rigging was. This is due to 80lb kicker, an additional battery, charger, etc., and 200lb heavier motor. Add in rods in the rack and a full cooler of fish in front of the rod rack and you get up there.

I want to add about 300lbs. The year later the Bayliner factory moved the fuel tank forward by 2 feet to distribute the weight better. The fuel tank is right at the back of the boat as well. I want to make this weight removable so when I add the live well this winter it can offset the weight some.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Ballast and how and what to use.

Well I found my boat runs better with three 5 gallons of water just in front of the gas tank, and 4 pails down below in the cuddy.

Now we need to remeber a few things about my set up. I'm a bit stern heavy. Like around 300-350 lbs heavier than what factory rigging was. This is due to 80lb kicker, an additional battery, charger, etc., and 200lb heavier motor. Add in rods in the rack and a full cooler of fish in front of the rod rack and you get up there.

It might cost you a little more, but I'd HIGHLY recommend moving around stuff you already have on board before adding weight. If you have a compartment available, move your batteries first of all. Assuming two of them, that might be enough by itself to equal what you were going to add. (it doesn't have to be the same weight, as you are also removing stern weight in the process)

 

[j_k_bisson]

Re: Ballast and how and what to use.

Unfortunately for the bateries and my boat style there is no compartments that the bateries will fit into up front. I have looked when I was restoring the boat. The two front side storage compartments are not deep enough. I did think of putting them behind my side panels but there is no acess for the constant maintence.

Any other suggestions?

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Ballast and how and what to use.

Find out what the maximum weight capacity of your boat is, minus the additional 300-350 lbs you've added to the stern, minus the additional 300-350 lbs you want to add to the midship/bow area and you'll probably find out that you no longer will even be allowed to get on the boat. 700+ lbs is a HUGE additional weight factor to ask that boat to handle appropriately, safely, and with the ability to function flotation wise as it was designed. IMHO, you're asking for trouble.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Ballast and how and what to use.

I've used sand bags made out of flour sack material or similar, maybe 30 or 40 lbs. each, they just lay there, don't move around or get in the way much. Beach or river sand can work fine. Good Luck!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Ballast and how and what to use.

Not one mother-in-law joke yet? Iboats, you're slipping

 

[Pez Vela]

Re: Ballast and how and what to use.

Depending upon what you already have, you could add more chain to your anchor rode, or switch it out to a larger size and longer. You can't get much more forward than your anchor locker for adding weight. Realizing everything on a boat is a compromise, I'd seriously consider losing the kicker, or finding a creative mounting location forward if you carry it just as a backup means of propulsion. I agree with others that you are in dangerous territory and are flirting with making your boat unseaworthy.

 

[j_k_bisson]

Re: Ballast and how and what to use.

I ran the boat for a week straight with this new weight in it. I also had four people in the boat at this time too. That is how I found out the amount and where to add it. So trending on dangerous teritory I don't think so.

Don't understand the Mother-in-law remark. Hoping if it is a good one you'll share.

So sand or lead shot it is. I have a couple of lead bricks (around 150lbs total) I could also use. Might give those a try this weekend.

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Ballast and how and what to use.

Hydraulic trim tabs. You don't need anymore weight!

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: Ballast and how and what to use.

Hydraulic trim tabs. You don't need anymore weight!

I believe his boat has Bennett tabs..

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Ballast and how and what to use.

It's a little unnerving that this doesn't mean anything...

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Ballast and how and what to use.

I believe his boat has Bennett tabs..

I didn't see a reference to his boat having tabs, maybe something in a prior post. Do they work and are they the right size is my next question. ADDING weght to correct a trim issue is never a good idea IMHO.

 

[Ciera2450]

Re: Ballast and how and what to use.

i agree with the above.
I complain to my wife every boat trip about bringing so much crap on the boat because of the weight. Much less adding lead shot or anything else.
I would move things around if possible.
Relocating gear to one side or the other can make a big difference.
Make your passengers move if needed to balance things out.

Adding weight= You could be over capacity, your fuel mileage goes down, you have huge sinkers (possible projectiles) in your boat...........
I wouldn't add weight.

 

[j_k_bisson]

Re: Ballast and how and what to use.

It's a little unnerving that this doesn't mean anything...

View attachment 101697

Don't have one of those sticker. Don't know where it is. The boat did not have one from the previous owner. So don't know what the load is supposed to be.

Yes the boat has Bennett trim tabs and they are working and they are huge. 9" x18" tabs I believe. They are not affecting the ride like I expected they would. Before I add weight I was going to drop to a lower pitch prop again. It will be able to over rev I'm sure. Right now WOT is 5500-5600 depending on the glassness or the water. I think I could drop down one more pitch. a 14.3 x 13"P.

But besides all that I am saying is I have played with what I have when I am using the boat. The weight I am suggesting is what I added and what works in the waves I use the boat in. The boat is very front end light. All my weight is on the *** end. Moving batteries is not a viable option at this time. Maybe over winter I'll fiberglass in some bater pocket behind the side pockets. For now, till the end of the summer I'm adding weight.

Just need a recommendation of what to use. Sand or Lead shot. Pick one please.

 

[mommicked]

Re: Ballast and how and what to use.

Since your not in California, Id say lead! besides, it will take up less space by weight.