DaySailer.org Forum

Has anyone ever tried adding ballast to a DSII. I'm considering it and would like some input.
Thanks.

Mike Rowlett (Rowbaby-at-aol.com)

Here's a story from an UK sailor who installed a steel centerboard on his Wanderer dinghy, increasing its weight by 75 lbs. He said it was very stable in Force 5 winds (I didn't look this up 'Force 5' 'in "Chapman's" but it sounds strong :^)

<A HREF='http://www.salford.ac.uk/media/staff/jmahome/jacona.htm'>http://www.salford.ac.uk/media/staff/jmahome/jacona.htm</A>

Do a few things before messing with the boat design. Reduce the sail area by reefing and invest (if you have tired sails) in a newer set sails that can be shaped flat. Of course, the best ballast is 200 + pounds of movable, auto adjusting ballast (crew who know how to get to the 'high'-side fast!)

John C (pf_flyer_1-at-yahoo.com)

A Naval Architect I know responded to the question of a ballasted c/b: " My wild guess is that 30 lb. or so of lead at the tip of the centerboard would make a *huge* difference in the capsize and righting characteristics. In any case, all we need is duct tape and some dive weights to experiment. 50 lb (another wild guess) might make it very difficult to get the boat to turtle.


BTW, its good if your boat doesn't "turtle" (go upside down). I may try this in the summer, not sure I want to drill-out and fill the end of my only c/b though. Anyone try other options, such as water-ballast, movable milk containers?

John C


John C (pf_flyer_1-at-yahoo.com)