The reaction of many boating people to the words "water ballast" is to think of performance oriented ocean racers, who use tanks on port and starb'd, alternately filled with water to increase the righting effect. A pump between the tanks transfers the water, and this system seems to work well, though you better hope the pump doesn't fail.
This system is only suitable for ballasted keel yachts as the prospects of failure, or an accidental gybe would result in instant capsize.
We were initially a little sceptical about the use of water as a centrally placed ballasting agent. Would it only start to "work" for you when lifted out of the water? Surely lead is more efficient? How would we empty and fill it? |
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Why we have chosen the rigs we have and how to get the best out of them |
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The RCD came into force in 1998 |
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Design of Sea-Going rowing boats
A guide for users |
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Glass Fibre Reinforced Plastic, or GRP has been the material of choice for most boats for the last 40 years or so. However, with the advent of modern epoxies and other coatings, as well as ecological concerns, timber construction is slowly shedding its image of endless maintenance and is emerging more often as a viable option. |
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Design Work