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Adding Lead Ballast. Tips and tricks?

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by Danvilletim, Jun 16, 2021.

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  1. Danvilletim, Jun 16, 2021
    #1
    Danvilletim

    Danvilletim Senior Member

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    We have a forward list that annoying. 240,000lbs total weight. We are starting w 1500lbs of lead. Any tips on securing it? 4200? We are trying to get it as back as possible.

    Can it sit in the bilge or is that bad..
  2. mapism, Jun 16, 2021
    #2
    mapism

    mapism Senior Member

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    Blimey, the SF boat in your avatar is MUCH heavier than I would have thought! :D
    Jokes aside, any tips about ballast placement and best way to secure it depends a lot on the specs of the boat involved, imho.
  3. Danvilletim, Jun 16, 2021
    #3
    Danvilletim

    Danvilletim Senior Member

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    Lol .. Yes a different boat! 92' Paragon.
  4. JWY, Jun 16, 2021
    #4
    JWY

    JWY Senior Member

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    Has the vessel had a stability test? Have you consulted with the naval architect? I would think they would be the first steps to adding ballast.
  5. Pascal, Jun 16, 2021
    #5
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    If the forward list is significant, I doubt even 2500 lbs of lead is going to make a difference. I would invite some friends over and have them stand on the platform to see if it even makes a difference

    I would also worry about how extra weight will Impact the boat angle getting on plane.

    I agree about consulting a naval architect
  6. boatpoor, Jun 16, 2021
    #6
    boatpoor

    boatpoor Active Member

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    If you want to get an idea of how the added weight will affect the handling and performance you could strap on some 55 gallon plastic barrels and fill them with water.( if you have room on deck for them)
  7. Capt Ralph, Jun 16, 2021
    #7
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    How did you determine a forward list? Just looking at the boot stripe?
    Has any buoyancy been added to the stern. Extra chain forward? Dink mounted forward?
    Noted during the survey?

    I agree about consulting a naval architect also.
    Changing operating issues and concerns of safety almost dictates this.
  8. Capt Ralph, Jun 16, 2021
    #8
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    If you have a strong enough deck for it...
    55 gal pail = 440lbs on a small patch of deck.
  9. RER, Jun 16, 2021
    #9
    RER

    RER Senior Member

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    Good point. Bow down at rest is one thing. Your running angle on plane is another.
    I’ve seen that in a smaller Sportfisher. It sat bow down in the slip but ran bow high on plane. So the owner left it alone.
  10. Capt J, Jun 17, 2021
    #10
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    35' Cabo express with a lot of anchor chain comes to mind!
  11. mapism, Jun 17, 2021
    #11
    mapism

    mapism Senior Member

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    In my first reply I didn't notice that you were talking of a longitudinal listing.
    If it's something that you are considering to cure with 1500lbs of ballast on a boat of that size and weight, it can't be so annoying, and therefore I'd rather live it well alone.
    OTOH, if it really is so bad, I wouldn't waste time experimenting with such relatively small ballast, and I'd look for professional advice, as already suggested.
    All the best!
  12. Danvilletim, Jun 17, 2021
    #12
    Danvilletim

    Danvilletim Senior Member

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    Thanks for comments.who knows why the list got there. Anchor is is 295lbs and 400 of very thick chain can’t help. Hell there is at least 3000lbs of dead AV equip in the pilot house

    I’d like it to be close to perfect when tanks are dry without having to trim fuel.

    Aft fuel tank is 1200 gallons and that m told corrects it.
  13. Capt J, Jun 17, 2021
    #13
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    larger yachts it's entirely common to trim with fuel. Since there is a cockpit, the aft fuel tank is ALWAYS the last one you drain as that is what counteracts the bouyancy of having a hull with not much weight above it (no super structure). How does the yacht sit when it's full of fuel? You bought a Taiwanese tub that they put a cockpit on an existing shorter hull design at the factory without moving anything, so keep the aft fuel tank full until last. Both for trim, safety, and handling.
  14. Capt Ralph, Jun 17, 2021
    #14
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    That's 9000 lbs of fuel. Don't think 1500lbs of lead is going to help much, certainly not a bunch of trash cans full of water.o_O
  15. Danvilletim, Jun 17, 2021
    #15
    Danvilletim

    Danvilletim Senior Member

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    We are going to put on 3500 gallons ( 4800 capacity) on Mon... We should be able to see how much fuel it take to balance it out.. But the aft tank 12-15 from the stern So its not all way aft.

    The boat is dead empty right now... 200-300 gallons.

    BTW Any tips on fueling in North Palm? We have one broker / tanker truck at 2.75 a gallon... So many more options in Lauderdale.
  16. RER, Jun 17, 2021
    #16
    RER

    RER Senior Member

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    I’m just curious why would you be concerned about the boat’s resting profile with empty fuel tanks in the first place?
  17. Danvilletim, Jun 17, 2021
    #17
    Danvilletim

    Danvilletim Senior Member

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    Water doesn’t drain off the aft deck. Runs up against salon door jam. So it’s enough to not want it like that.

    I’m sure fuel will do it but if you got to bring down aft tank I’d rather not be leaning forward.
  18. Slimshady, Jun 17, 2021
    #18
    Slimshady

    Slimshady Senior Member

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    I looked at that boat few years ago. There where a long list of issues on board her. Weight distribution is just the start. The boat was still owned by investor who had her built and was very proud on her price. Did you do a thorough sea trial and mechanical inspection? The ponding water at salon door needed to be fixed with new drain. Mechanical systems were rough, zero maintenance done while sitting. Bring her to a good yard and open the checkbook.
  19. Danvilletim, Jun 17, 2021
    #19
    Danvilletim

    Danvilletim Senior Member

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    Not sure the same boat.. This one was owned by prominent CEO who used the heck out of it until he built a 118'. HE bought it from the original owner / build client in San Diego.
  20. Slimshady, Jun 17, 2021
    #20
    Slimshady

    Slimshady Senior Member

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    One I looked at had pickled oak interior, brought over from Asia and parked. Really was sad to see condition of it after just a few years.
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