Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => Other Technical Questions... => Topic started by: LarryW on October 01, 2010, 11:48:16 am

Title: Ballast?
Post by: LarryW on October 01, 2010, 11:48:16 am

  HI all is there another way ballest boats in stead of lead , which getting expensive and hard to access as scrap,
  also which not now eco friendly.   .......larry w. :((

Title: Re: Ballast?
Post by: mersey dave on October 01, 2010, 11:54:43 am

You can always try small bags of sand, this works.

Regards Dave.

Title: Re: Ballast?
Post by: triumphjon on October 01, 2010, 12:06:21 pm

re ballast , there are lots of metal recyclers in your area , try matt roberts on 07762142600 he has a small yard at marsh lane , temple cloud bs39 , or if you go into bristol there is sims metals in gatby rd , habgoods midland rd , or manor scrap in feeder rd , im sure one of these will be able to help you ! hows the narrowboat build ? jon

Title: Re: Ballast?
Post by: tigertiger on October 01, 2010, 12:14:31 pm

When I get round to doing my barge, as the bottom is flat, I will consider using barbell/dumbell weights.

Concrete can also be poured in. Engineering bricks are heavy, if you can find them.

Title: Re: Ballast?
Post by: Timo2 on October 01, 2010, 01:34:11 pm

Hi All

      Ballast for Push & Tow barges,  Plus Marker Buoy  anchors points .  easy  easy O0
LOW  COST  :-))   ( Free at most garages and tire shops )    long lasting and a good weight

OLD CAR & VAN DISC BRAKES  :-))  :-))

 Timo2

Title: Re: Ballast?
Post by: Tugwash on October 01, 2010, 02:01:58 pm

you can try the white metal fishing weights.

you could also try a water ballast tank which you can fill and empty which can help in transportation as its only heavy once you fill it nice little back saver

the other one is to use 'lead scuba divers' weights you can pick them up pretty cheap and due to there size give you better options for trimming on the water line

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/LEAD-SCUBA-DIVING-WEIGHTS-4kg-LEAD-BALLAST-YACHT-BOAT_W0QQitemZ160454297385QQcmdZViewItem?
rvr_id=148073340358&rvr_id=148073340358&cguid=57a4086012b0a0aad3807ab0fff265ab#ht_615wt_911 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/LEAD-SCUBA-DIVING-WEIGHTS-4kg-LEAD-BALLAST-YACHT-BOAT_W0QQitemZ160454297385QQcmdZViewItem?
rvr_id=148073340358&rvr_id=148073340358&cguid=57a4086012b0a0aad3807ab0fff265ab#ht_615wt_911)

the battery's themselves if your using 12v LA can help as they are heavy!

you can use concrete, lead shot, bricks, scraps of pig iron, basically if its heavy you can use it, don;t think that just using lead is the only answer

Title: Re: Ballast?
Post by: alan colson on October 02, 2010, 08:13:14 am

You need useful ballast, add extra batteries then you can sail longer.
Alan

Title: Re: Ballast?
Post by: LarryW on October 02, 2010, 10:27:01 am

   thank you all for tips on ballest.......... larry. :-))