Association Forum - forecastle ballast (re; "mariner" post of 10/25)

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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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forecastle ballast (re; "mariner" post of 10/25)

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pa-sailor
1st Mate

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USA
67 Posts

Initially Posted - 11/06/2008 : 07:55:04

Interesting comments about the 275# of ballast (Randy, "Nautiduck"). I have a 04' wing keel (1st sailing season) which I noticed was riding somewhat high as well in front.
Questions- How do you determine amount of weight (trial & error?)
Will the extra ballast aid in quicker tack changes? or other advantages?

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delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 11/06/2008 : 08:40:46

For us it was trial & error. When we got SL it had what I thought was 150lbs of sand in the bow, but was actually 75. I took out the sand bags & [url="http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=18122&SearchTerms=melting,lead"]replaced them with lead limpets[/url]. I melted down about 300 lbs of lead, but only placed around 200. I notice that my bow still sits high, and that's before I plant my butt on the stern. I'm sure the new engine mounted on a bracket further back has exacerbated the problem. I've got three more roughly 30lb limpets I can add to bring the bow down onto it's lines, I just haven't been able to spend much time on the boat this year.

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welshoff
Captain

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USA
253 Posts

Response Posted - 11/06/2008 : 10:23:10

For me it was trial and error. I don't recall the actual pounds added, probably around 200 lbs. The added weight depends on motor size, if you have holding tank in stern, hot water tank in stern, where/size of fresh water tank, crew size that hangs out at the stern of boat - wheel steering, stern rail seats (with wheel steering you are usually farther aft when sailing, if you stand behind the wheel), ect.

I thought sailing the boat was improved by setting her on her lines. If you do add the bow ballast, you should check your rigging settings. Bringing the bow down, will affect mast rake. This will impact sailing performance.

After adding the bow ballast and setting up the rigging, my boat definitely sails better now. Points better and cuts through the chop better.

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pa-sailor
1st Mate

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USA
67 Posts

Response Posted - 11/06/2008 : 12:53:21

Thanks for replys- Sirius & Wil; I will consider stern weight when loading forward ballast.
A note to Wil (Arcturus)--my boat is #731

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welshoff
Captain

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USA
253 Posts

Response Posted - 11/06/2008 : 13:43:23

pa,
What are the particulars of your boat, ie, wheel, wing keel, ect.

Kind of curious since our boats were built at same time.

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Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 11/06/2008 : 14:24:43

We did a bit of experimenting before moving up to the 255lbs (5X55) of bagged crushed rock. The boat handles waves better, tracks better and sails better all around. Definitely re-adjust your mast rake after doing this.

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jlannutti
Navigator

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USA
102 Posts

Response Posted - 11/10/2008 : 07:39:44

I added two 60lb bags of sand to the to the bow of my boat. Gracie is a 98 WB # 360. I have a 98 Honda 9.9 4 stroke w. electric start, x long shaft, two batteries in that stern compartment. I keep my fresh water tank topped off. I carry two 3 gallon fuel tanks. One in the fuel compartment and the other in the port seat compartment. (I do have 6 gallon tanks for those infrequent long trips.) I think that I carry no more or less gear aboard than is average. She sits well on the waterline but just a little deep. At rest the water is "just" below the top of the bottom paint. At the stern the bottom of the boat is about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch out on the water. Once I'm aboard everything is perfect...I'm speaking of trim now! I am single handing 90% of the time. You may wish to add more sand up front if you regularly have more crew aboard. My first few sails aboard Gracie I was a little disappointed on how early she wanted to round up. This one "fix" made an amazing difference in how she handles. No more early roundups and better pointing!

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Russ.Johnson
Commodore

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USA
855 Posts

Response Posted - 11/10/2008 : 16:16:02

I have a 2005 Water-ballast.
I went a different route --> [url="http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=13121"]Extra Water Tank for more Bow Weight[/url]
It's easier to trailer and can be adjusted on the fly.
I found it reduced weatherhelm and is a smoother ride in mild chop.

Russ

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Tom Potter
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1913 Posts

Response Posted - 11/11/2008 : 17:18:02

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Russ.Johnson
 I have a 2005 Water-ballast.
I went a different route --> [url="http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=13121"]Extra Water Tank for more Bow Weight[/url]
It's easier to trailer and can be adjusted on the fly.
I found it reduced weatherhelm and is a smoother ride in mild chop.

Russ
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I have the same setup as Russ. I first used sand, but switched out to a water bladder. (thanks again Paul)

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delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 11/12/2008 : 09:29:17

I've been contemplating moving from the lead to a bladder as well. Were you able to find bladders that would hold close to 40 gallons? That'd give you the ability to add over 300lbs of water weight if you wanted to and possibly remove the original tank to gain storage space.

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Russ.Johnson
Commodore

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USA
855 Posts

Response Posted - 11/12/2008 : 13:17:18

David,
My extra water tank is 32 gallons, and the original water tank is 12 gallons.
With both of them filled it's 44 gallons.
Russ

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.