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[mook]

Hi. I am finishing my Victoria Steam Launch and I am not sure how to find out if the ballast is enough or not enough to suit. So how do I know that it is right the plans dont appear to help.
Thanks in advance for the hundreds of answers that are on their way as we speak   
Mook

[barryfoote]

Mook,

Try the bath test and see where she floats. If high add ballast and if low throw something overboard

No it will probably float hiigh if anything....but you need to establish this first. Mark on the hull, bow and stern where she should float as per the water line. Put here in the bath and mark where she does float and whether there is a list to port or starboard. You can correct her stability by adding wieght, which can later be replaced with lead sheet or shot or any other suitably heavy material.

Barry

[White Ensign]

Mook, if there is no waterline mentioned on the plan, take the prop for a rough imagination. He must be under the surface insofar, that even under rotation he works fine. Depending on the type of vessel you may lift the bow a bit, as it is not necessary to trim her on an even keel.
If Ballast must be added, take lead-pellets, lead blocks as much you need. For fine trim, the lead-weights used on wheels are pretty helpfull. If you need to take some weight away- good luck with it. 
You`ll need a minidrill and a good cutting mill to scratch out weight whereever possible.

Hope this was out of any help for you,
Jörg