Ballast in smaller boats

(pwningjr) · (pwningjr) **Join Date: Apr 2007** 07-05-2007, 1:21 PM

I'm thinking about getting some ballast for our 15 foot outboard that is rated at 6 people. I was wondering if anyone has a boat around this size and how much weight would be safe and actually make a difference. We usually have 3 people in the boat and are towing one. Any ideas?

(pwningjr) · (pwningjr) **Join Date: Apr 2007** 07-05-2007, 2:55 PM

Oh, and some specifics about the boat: 77 tri hull fish/ski boat, 80hp mercury engine.

(madvlin) · (madvlin) **Join Date: Jun 2007** 07-05-2007, 3:53 PM

YOU MAY WANT TO LEAN AWAY FROM DOING THAT.
HERE ARE A FEW WAYS TO CHECK OUT IF THE BOAT CAN HANDLE THIS
FILL IT W GAS AND PEOPLE SEE IF IT WILL GET ON PLANE

THROW A FAT SAC IN THE BACK 500LB CHECK PERFORMANCE IF YOU DONT HAVE ONE GRAB SOME SAND BAGS IF YOU START SINKING YOU CAN THROW THEM OVERBOARD AND NOT FEEL BAD

I HAD A 18FT MAXIUM W A 190 HP MERC
WHEN FILLED W GAS AND PEOPLE VERY DIFFICULT TO PLANE OUT

PACK AN EXTRA LIFE VEST! J/K BUT NOT REALLY

(pwningjr) · (pwningjr) **Join Date: Apr 2007** 07-06-2007, 8:25 AM

thanks, I'm going to the lake today and am gonna grab 3 5-gallon buckets and fill them with wet sand to see if it makes a difference. I'm [almost 100% positive] that won't sink it.

(madvlin) · (madvlin) **Join Date: Jun 2007** 07-06-2007, 11:05 AM

that is a great idea. you may need to place them in the bow of the boat for the boat to get on plane.
let me know how it goes

(dhcomp) · (dhcomp) **Join Date: Jun 2003** 07-06-2007, 11:17 AM

dont' do it. Not worth teh risk.

(pwningjr) · (pwningjr) **Join Date: Apr 2007** 07-07-2007, 1:56 PM

Well, we tried it with 2 (one turned out to have a hole in it, good thing we found that before putting sand/water in it) and we put them right around the pylon with my parents in back and my sister up front, it actually looked like it made some sort of a difference. I'm still working on a way to get them in the boat easier though.