Why not sand?

I'm looking to add more solid weight to our X1, about 500 lbs, and I've found 50 pound steel shot bags for $38.00 each and 60 pound sand bags for $3.00 each. Besides the little extra space the sand takes up are there any other disadvantages to using this? It would save me a fortune and I just wanted to hear your input.
Thanks.

I have sand in my boat, no problem. It just take up space. Make sure you bag the sand so that it doesn't spill.

Sand can get really messy and spill if they arent sealed or covered correctly. Especially from water consistently dripping into the v-drive compartments from people getting in and out of the boat.

only way to go are the POP bags from the King himself. so easy to use it isnt even funny

Sand is the cheapest way to go. I taped all the corners with duct tape, put it in a big lack garbage bag, wrapped duct tape all over the bag, and put it in a thicker white garbage bag and taped that up too. When I take them out on the boat, I put them in pillow cases to make them look a little better.
No leaks so far and they feel really tight and sturdy. Like big heavy pillows. I also carry a couple of 50 lb free weights, but i don't like them, because I'm afraid I will stub my toe.

(Message edited by malibu73 on May 03, 2007)

I did the same that Chad did but without the pillow cases. Cheap and works well. Had one tear a little bit but just taped it back up. I used four in the bow of my old Tige. Took up a little bit of space but worked well.

i had the construction grade bags and didn't wrap them in anything. they will get wet, so i didn't even bother. worked just fine.

I don't have any sacks, but everyone is saying they take up space but won't they take up far less space than a sack of equal weight?

I think they would give you more weight per space than water but definately less than lead or steel shot.

Thanks for the input guys. I'm going with 200 pounds of steel shot to move around and will throw about 300 in sand in the bow to stay there.

What about using a vacuum food packer? Those bags are pretty durable and they can be custom cut to fit exactly where you want them with a nice tight seal. I haven't tried it, but just a thought.