Model Boat Mayhem

Mess Deck: General Section => Beginners start here...! => Topic started by: lucifer on November 30, 2007, 06:33:12 pm

Title: Ballast what do you use?????
Post by: lucifer 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
Title: Re: Ballast what do you use?????
Post by: Colin Bishop 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
Title: Re: Ballast what do you use?????
Post by: lucifer on November 30, 2007, 06:55:37 pm: Thankyou O0
Title: Re: Ballast what do you use?????
Post by: Martin (Admin) on November 30, 2007, 07:05:10 pm: Batteries, lead shot ( or the current PC equivilent! ), sand in bags, car wheel ballance weights, sheet lead, old tools!! ;)

http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=6776.msg67180#msg67180
http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=3638.msg35154#msg35154
http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=6414.msg63380#msg63380
http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=3947.msg38585#msg38585

www.leadshotballast.co.uk
Title: Re: Ballast what do you use?????
Post by: lucifer 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
Title: Re: Ballast what do you use?????
Post by: Shipmate60 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
Title: Re: Ballast what do you use?????
Post by: lucifer 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:
Title: Re: Ballast what do you use?????
Post by: IainM 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
Title: Re: Ballast what do you use?????
Post by: Ghost in the shell on December 01, 2007, 10:50:10 pm: I use batteries and when i need more, lead does the trick
Title: Re: Ballast what do you use?????
Post by: 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
Title: Re: Ballast what do you use?????
Post by: Ghost in the shell 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
Title: Re: Ballast what do you use?????
Post by: 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
Title: Re: Ballast what do you use?????
Post by: tigertiger 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.
Title: Re: Ballast what do you use?????
Post by: cos918 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
Title: Re: Ballast what do you use?????
Post by: wideawake 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