Re: [Paddlewise] Fixed Ballast

From: Jim <jfitz_at_rlc.net>
Date: Mon, 4 Sep 2000 08:03:29 -0400
Good morning,


> I'm assuming you're trying to trim the boat with different balast
configurations, and this is temporary --- there may be another option.

Yes, I'm trying different configurations to see how they influence boat
handling, ie rolling, trim, etc.

> You may be able to hold balast in place by locating it where you want it
and then insert and inflate a relatively strong beach ball inside the area
and above and around the weight so that the balast is held in place.  Not
good for a long test, because the ball will leak over time --- or heat up
and explode! --- but, in the short run, it will hold a fairly substantial
weight in place for trimming.

I tried your suggestion with a PVC-coated, 14 gauge nylon taffeta tandem end
bag for canoes.  It has a triangle shape, it's about the size of a beach
ball, and has a valve with an extension tube.  I placed a small pad in the
bottom of the day hatch.  On top of that, I placed a ten pound hand weight.
I inserted the bag and inflated it.  I had to place a small piece of press
board siding on the inside of the hatch to keep the bag from inflating out
the hatch.

It worked very well in the day hatch just behind me.  The weight was held
firmly in place.

Regards,

Jim Fitzgerald



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Received on Mon Sep 04 2000 - 05:03:18 PDT

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