Adding Temporary Ballast

[delevi]

I got what seems like a really cool idea from Jeff at Arena Yachts. I called him the other day about getting a replacement steering break and we starting chatting about sailing, etc. He mentioned that when he used to race Macs in the open ocean, they would increase ballast by putting lead in the bilges (storage areas under the seats.) He quickly got my interest. I’m thinking of getting some cement and making small blocks, about 40-50 lbs each. Maybe 500-600 lbs total, half on each side of the boat. I figure this will make a dramatic difference in keeping the boat upright in heavy wind and/or open ocean sailing. The ballast can be put in place before casting off when conditions would call for it. Thoughts?

[Frank C]

Seems like a 20-gal water bladder would be lots easier to deal with,
plus lots more useful for weekending.

If you're committed to the idea of weights, check the garage sales for a retiring weight-lifter. Those nice flat disks should be lots easier than concrete for buckin' back and forth to your bilges. You just need to find a method of securing them so they stay put when you're heeling at 40 degrees!

[James V]

Make sure that they are secure, I would not want a knock down and have them flying around. I do like the water bladders best with an electric pump, 1 gal = 8 pounds. You may need more than 600 pounds to make a differance.

Might be Ok for racing (check the rules) or daysailing but for cruising where space is needed, porbably not that good of idea.

[beene]

I used to use bags of water softener salt in my sandpiper, then switched to the water idea Frank mentioned. The water worked great, and being only a sailboat with no chance of going powering over MHS, I just left them in.

Cheers

G

[kmclemore]

Hey, if you get the water bladders, you can get two of them - place one on either side of the boat and get and a really fast pump.... then when you begin to heel, just flip a switch and pump the water from one to the other. Reverse for heeling the other direction.




(Just foolin'. Don't try this at home, kids.)

[LOUIS B HOLUB]

Concrete, weight, iron, lead, etc.

I think I would consider the water bladder suggestions and keep the MAC floating if it becomes flooded. Maybe Im just too safety conscious.

[Highlander]

Well

I think I'd sooner have three 2 piece suites down in the v-berth for sailing ballast or rail meat. On comand one could pour the cocktails , one to cook , one to clean . then in the evening they could all cuddle up to me in that big aft berth & keep me warm

[Terry]

Even though it is initially more expensive I would go for the Plastimo water bags and have them double as a water supply on extended trips. I have a 50 liter Plastimo bag for my pressurized water system and @ 2.2 lbs/liter it is about 110lbs. I believe Plastimo also makes the 130 liter bag which would weigh about 286 lbs, get two, they are long and rectangular and can be stuffed under the seats on each side, you'd never run out of drinking water and they would more likely remain stable when heeled excessively. Relative to what you already spent, it is small potatoes.

Actually, after thinking about it, perhaps you could just lay one of the 130 liter bags right down on the floor of the salon area which would be about amidships both length & beam, just need to secure it. They come with a heavy duty nylon cover bag so walking over it would be no different than walking over a water-bed.

[parrothead]

if you get the water bladders, you can get two of them - place one on either side of the boat and get and a really fast pump.... then when you begin to heel, just flip a switch and pump the water from one to the other. Reverse for heeling the other direction

Or, you can get a pair of these: http://www.maximarine.com/operation.html

[delevi]

Or, you can get a pair of these

I like that, but if you need to suddenly tack of the wind changes without warning, you're screwed.

[Night Sailor]

Although not very efficient compared to lead, iron or cement, the water is much better idea if you must trailer the boat, as it's easily removeable on the water. If choosing permanent extra ballast, you will need to figure in the cost of another trailer, or at least another axle on the stock Mac trailer.

[eric3a]

..

[delevi]

I don't know why and my brain's not engaging when it comes to theoratical hull calcs tonight

Smoking that magic pipe again, eh Eric?

[Bill at BOATS 4 SAIL]

You can use Rum for ballast.
It also has other uses.

[mikelinmon]

My guess is the extra drag from the weight would negate the extra righting moment! Maybe.
Mike Inmon