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Author Topic: Fixing lead 'ballast' in the hull, how?  (Read 2840 times)

ixion

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Fixing lead 'ballast' in the hull, how?
« on: May 17, 2009, 04:33:28 pm »

Today I have floated my Smit Ierland in the bath and used loads of layers of lead flashing to get it to sit correctly in the water. What is the best way to fix all this lead in place please?
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Stavros

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Re: Fixing lead 'ballast' in the hull, how?
« Reply #1 on: May 17, 2009, 04:44:23 pm »

Grip fill,silicone sealant,Grp resin....latter will add weight



Stavros
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Tom@Crewe

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Re: Fixing lead 'ballast' in the hull, how?
« Reply #2 on: May 17, 2009, 05:15:17 pm »

Don't use lead! Use another battery or two - double or treble running time...........................
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Popeye

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Re: Fixing lead 'ballast' in the hull, how?
« Reply #3 on: May 17, 2009, 10:32:05 pm »

Try Blu-Tac. It grips well and can be easily removed should the need arise. :-))
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Peter Fitness

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Re: Fixing lead 'ballast' in the hull, how?
« Reply #4 on: May 18, 2009, 01:27:40 am »

Don't use lead! Use another battery or two - double or treble running time...........................

A good idea, provided you have the room. I have used it on one of my boats with 2 batteries connected in parallel, giving the same voltage but double the amp hours, and therefore, run time. If this is not possible, I normally use fibreglass resin to hold ballast in place.

Peter.
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derekwarner

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Re: Fixing lead 'ballast' in the hull, how?
« Reply #5 on: May 18, 2009, 07:25:16 am »

One method offered on Paddle Ducks.....made sence

Compartment.......ize the hull....... a layer of Cling Warp....add lead shot approx 2 mm diameter spheres [from the gun sports store] level with fibreglass resin  :-)) ......removable in blocks....must be placed back in the same compartment etc......Derek
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Mankster

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Re: Fixing lead 'ballast' in the hull, how?
« Reply #6 on: May 18, 2009, 09:48:30 am »

One advantage of lead (as well as being cheaper) instead of batteries is as its more dense, it keeps your centre of gravity low and hence your boat is more stable in rough water. If you already have more run time than your stamina can bear there little point fitting more batteries. Lead shot mixed with resin will allow you to pour it into nooks and crannies if space is tight.

oldiron

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Re: Fixing lead 'ballast' in the hull, how?
« Reply #7 on: May 18, 2009, 10:28:48 am »

One method offered on Paddle Ducks.....made sence

Compartment.......ize the hull....... a layer of Cling Warp....add lead shot approx 2 mm diameter spheres [from the gun sports store] level with fibreglass resin  :-)) ......removable in blocks....must be placed back in the same compartment etc......Derek

  I've used a variation of your idea. Use resealable sandwich bags. When the desired weight is achieved, pour resin into the bag with the gun shot weight, place the bag in its home and wait for it to set up. The advantage is you can take the bag in and out while you're setting up the weight with no fear of loosing the shot all over the hull and it will seal the resin in when you put the bag, weight and resin back into the hull to set up in its home.

John
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ixion

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Re: Fixing lead 'ballast' in the hull, how?
« Reply #8 on: May 18, 2009, 10:44:46 pm »

Thanks guys, silicone sealant it is.
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