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Author Topic: Ballast what do you use?????  (Read 3778 times)

lucifer

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Ballast what do you use?????
« on: November 30, 2007, 06:33:12 pm »
Ok so just did the bath tests of my newly built Billings Smit London and have found I need up to 14lb in ballast.

So my question is what does everyone use and where best to get cheap ballast. I did think of diving weights but there a bit pricey never to be seen 

Thanks in advance
jay
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Colin Bishop

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Re: Ballast what do you use?????
« Reply #1 on: November 30, 2007, 06:38:09 pm »
Do a search on the Forum for the word "Ballast". There's been quite a bit posted on this recently.  O0
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lucifer

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Re: Ballast what do you use?????
« Reply #2 on: November 30, 2007, 06:55:37 pm »
Thankyou  O0
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Martin (Admin)

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Re: Ballast what do you use?????
« Reply #3 on: November 30, 2007, 07:05:10 pm »
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lucifer

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Re: Ballast what do you use?????
« Reply #4 on: November 30, 2007, 10:12:59 pm »
Thanks I'll do a bit of shoping and see if I can get some lead sheet
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Shipmate60

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Re: Ballast what do you use?????
« Reply #5 on: November 30, 2007, 10:57:05 pm »
A 12 volt 7 Ah battery weighs about 5 1/2 pounds and a 6volt 12 Ah battery weighs 4 1/4 pounds.
So if they will fit 2 x 12 volt or 3 x 6 volt will severely cut down the need for additional ballast.

Bob
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lucifer

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Re: Ballast what do you use?????
« Reply #6 on: December 01, 2007, 07:01:12 pm »
I thanks for all the input unfortunately cash flow issues mean I’ll have to see what I can manage

Thanks
 :angel:
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IainM

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Re: Ballast what do you use?????
« Reply #7 on: December 01, 2007, 10:03:11 pm »
Why not approach your local motor bike shop (or garage) - they regularly dispose of duff batteries and a duff one weighs the same as a good one!!

I haven't thrown away a SLA for ages simply cause they make good ballast.
Maybe its cause I came from round about Aberdeen  ;D

BTW ... If you see old victorian houses being renovated .. have a peer into the skip.  Its amazing how many lead U bends get tossed out with the rubbish.

Iain
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Ghost in the shell

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Re: Ballast what do you use?????
« Reply #8 on: December 01, 2007, 10:50:10 pm »
I use batteries and when i need more, lead does the trick
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boatmadman

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Re: Ballast what do you use?????
« Reply #9 on: December 01, 2007, 10:55:41 pm »
Your local tip - sorry, domestic waste disposal site, will have a bin specially for dud batteries of all types.

I bet if you slip the blokes a quid or two they will turn a blind eye!

Ian
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Ghost in the shell

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Re: Ballast what do you use?????
« Reply #10 on: December 01, 2007, 10:57:24 pm »
Quote from: boatmadman on December 01, 2007, 10:55:41 pm
Your local tip - sorry, domestic waste disposal site, will have a bin specially for dud batteries of all types.

I bet if you slip the blokes a quid or two they will turn a blind eye!

Ian

just be careful not to pick up wet acid batteries
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Shipmate60

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Re: Ballast what do you use?????
« Reply #11 on: December 01, 2007, 11:09:10 pm »
Fire and Burglar Alarm companies will usually give you batteries free.
The ones replaced in the panels, they are usually 12 volt 7 Ah.
A lot of then are still useable too.

Bob
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tigertiger

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Re: Ballast what do you use?????
« Reply #12 on: December 02, 2007, 12:53:59 am »
If you go to a sports shop and look at the soft ankle/wrist weights. These should be cheap. Some of these are filled with iron shot, this can be set in resin.
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cos918

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Re: Ballast what do you use?????
« Reply #13 on: December 02, 2007, 11:12:34 am »
Quote from: shipmate60 on December 01, 2007, 11:09:10 pm
Fire and Burglar Alarm companies will usually give you batteries free.
The ones replaced in the panels, they are usually 12 volt 7 Ah.
A lot of then are still useable too.

Bob
hi there i work for a big alarm company. We have a pallet load of old battery form 12v 1.2ah up to 12v 72ah most times. Since we have to be seen to be green we have to send them off to a special place for disposal and it cost a lot.So can not see any alarm company refusing you a few dud battreys. Note most battery's are 3 to 4 years old have been trickled charged for that time continuously so are still in reasonable shape. john
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wideawake

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Re: Ballast what do you use?????
« Reply #14 on: December 02, 2007, 11:39:59 am »
You can usually get lead shot on ebay.  It's generally sold for SCUBA divers to make up their own weight belts.  A few weeks ago I bought 10kg for £25 (collected) which I thought was reasonable.

HTH

Guy
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