Ballast in relation to Cut...and usage of same....

[PAC]

Since we are on the issue of boat "Cut" I'm going to ask another question squirt related questoin - the use of ballast.

I know of some K squirtest that use ballast occasionally but has anyone tried this in a C1 - I’ve been toying with the idea (and it is scaring me a bit as I think through it) and prior to testing (under controlled conditions of a pool) I'd like to see if others have tried it.

This isn't just partial flooding of the boat to squirt an end mind you! That can assist in closing the boat's trim close to neutral buoyancy - but it also makes the handling sloppy as the water moves about effectively damping the performance.

I'm thinking placement of a "perfect" rock or lead weight strategically (at or close to swing center) to maximize the winged effect of the boat, not degrade the spin and provide for the ability to hit the up button or pull off controlled attacks.

The stagging system would need to include an emegency evacuation system but what are others thoughts - Pros and Cons (other than becoming a permanent bottom feeder) on giving this a go?

[Sir Adam]

it's been done...sort of.... As I recall from last spring, Davey has a washer or two glassed in to his competition boat to bring it up to weight...and you're right, it was at the center....

It might be interesting to try at a park and play spot, but I'm not sure I'd want the added weight to paddle with.... Might be interesting to construct a "box" to put it in...wouldn't want it rattling around though...especially around the center of the boat .

[Mike W.]

PAC I added ballast over the years to all of my boats...it hangs over my belt I'm not ready to add more to the master cut Acro though. It's a park & play boat & is scary enough as it is

I think if you add ballast to your full cut Acro the bouancy in the ends will still mess with you. That's just my thought. Try it & tell us how it does. I think Adam's got a good idea on the box to keep it from ratling you. Maybe fill your water jug w/ cement to test the theory.

[PAC]

Thanks guys! I think a couple washers wouldn't make that much of a difference at my mass - I'm on the same program Mike is... adding weigh via age, the dinner table and bar stool.

I also agree that the volume in the ends will at least negate some of the change in displacement. But I'm wondering how much. I'm fairly certain this has been done in K squirts for smaller experts who have wanted to demo a boat cut for a larger padder.

I'm thinking of placing a plastic milk jug where the "death Block" is currently located since the block already has tie now points and that close to center. The jug can then be filled or drained to tune the weight / displacement. Or at least that's the current plan.

I'll play with it and let you know. I'll post on the squirt site and get the experts to provide feedback or laugher as well!

CU out there and maybe under there! LOL Paul C.

[sbroam]

I remember seeing an article, maybe it was in Sea Kayaker magazine (or maybe it was a chapter in a Sea Kayaking book) where ballasting was discussed. The mechanism was a coffee can (smaller one) filled with cement (I think) and secured to the floor right behind the seat (or between the legs?). The intent was to sit the boat lower in the water when paddled unloaded and to aid in rolling. With my mass I never saw the neeed...

I'd bet the washers mentioned are those great big ones - 1" inside diameter and 3-4" outside, 1/8" thick like they use on big anchor bolts. They're about 1/4 pound each.

[John Coraor]

Here in the NYC area there has been a lot of experimentation with extra ballast, although typicaly it is attached to the boater rather than to the boat. Both cement and heavy metal weights have been used. However, installation of the ballast does tend to rather drastically limit movement, ... uh, permanently, ... as in sleepin' with the fishes.

John

[sbroam]

Talk about a "mystery move"