ballast images??

[normoose]

Does anyone have any digital images of the ballast that they have installed on their Weekender or Vacationer that I could possibly look at? I am researching different ideas for my Vacationer project before I begin.

I am new to forum interaction so please chew it when it needs it. Thanx.

I have been building boats or vessels starting with my grandfather in 1959 and have gone on to help build or have built traditional plank on frame, steel, tack and tape, fiberglass and epoxy/gelcoat. The last large vessel was a 52" ketch rig, double diagonal mahogany on oak, glass and gelcoat, 65' mast above deck and 35' mizzen. I made that 20 ton, flat concrete keel and the boat only drew 5'. It weighed a total of 27 tons finished and we took it everywhere in the Caribbean and Gulf down to South America. Loved it! I would have paid the guy to let me help but got paid for my work and made real good friend.

I built a 10' pointy skiff from drawings on Dynamite Payson's website in '00. I have dropped this boat, shoot the rapids in the local river and I pretty much have been very rough with the little boat. I take it out in the ocean to fish for stripers and people think I am crazy. Well, maybe I am but my little skiff has watertight forward and aft seats providing plenty of buoyancy and have had an 18 HP Merc on her and she flies. I row it for exercise and fishing, and that is getting old like me. 8)

Back to the Vacationer: I was also wondering how to install reef lines on the main. I have seen them on pre-ordered Dacron but do not know what I need to do for strength with Poly sheets until I can afford Dacron.

Any assistance and input will definitely appreciated. I am new to this forum so hello to all!

I am attaching a few low-res pix of my cigarette boat. (I smoke)

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Thems no oars! Thems me sisters!

....unknown

[normoose]

I forgot to mention that my name is Norm but I have been called many things. [pirate, dirty white cabin boy, caprpenter's carpenter, scally-wag, sob, etc.]

I added apic of my doubled up bottom and used a lot of waxed paper so I could rush to the water. I have 6 plys of veneer 1/2" thick.

[normoose]

Thank you for your input and assistance Ray!

I don't know if I will use a bulb or not but want to see where the bulk of the weight is located on the boat for best performance.

I can't wait to see your boat in the water and on the trailer! I look forward to seeing your vessel.

I have seen other posts about ballast being used but no pix. I will have to search I gues until I can see yours.

Thanx again for replying to my post and the offer to see you Weekender! 8)

[normoose]

Thanx Ray,

I have been searching and reading posts to this forum all day and have to agree with your suggestions. Thank you very much and hope to see you at the pond.

A greatful,

Norm :wink: