[C320-list] Adding ballast

[Scott Thompson]

I'm on a mooring also. This Spring I added a 40 watt Ganz solar panel, 
which is very light and I simply tied it to the top of the bimini where 
it so far has sat stably in all wind conditions. (Ideally it would be 
mounted via some tabs in the bimini -- something to perhaps install next 
winter.) I also added a Victron MPPT charge controller that can handle 
much larger panels in case I want to upgrade later. However the new 
sytem seems to be doing an excellent job of keeping my pair of 4D 
batteries topped off.

Scott Thompson
Surprise, #653

On 7/18/2015 11:34 AM, tharrison at innovations-plus.com wrote:
> I was wondering the same thing. Could you post a picture. I know I have to add a third to begin good mooring experience.
>
> I have two pieces of lead weights that are about the size of one battery.  They are right behind the batteries.
>
> A/c in the port locker.
>
> Ted
> Hull 424
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On Jul 18, 2015, at 10:11 AM, Elizabeth Schwartz <schwartz781 at optonline.net> wrote:
>>
>> Ahoy.....where does a 3rd 4 d battery fit?..Joe...#245
>>
>>
>>> On Sat, Jul 18, 2015 at 09:45 AM, Millers wrote:
>>>
>>> Interesting discussion.  No list, but boat came with a 3rd, D4 battery on Stbd side (guess it weight is 90#. ??). Just another form lead!!!! But what a nice reserve...... I am a mooring boat Art.  # 680
>>>
>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>
>>>> On Jul 18, 2015, at 9:21 AM,  wrote:
>>>>
>>>> Dave,
>>>> Scuba weights in those locations was what I was thinking of doing. Good to hear that it works.  Can you tell me about how many pounds you used to make a difference?
>>>> thanks
>>>> Ken
>>>> MoonDancer
>>>> 2006  1089
>>>>
>>>> ---- Utility Email  wrote:
>>>>> Warren,
>>>>>
>>>>> When sailing to Catalina Island a couple of years ago, we brought our scuba gear.  Our scuba weights are lead shot in mesh bags, so I placed that lead shot dive weights behind the salon seats on the starboard side to help offset the port list and it worked really well.  I also placed some of the lead shot under the small seat on the starboard side in our aft cabin.
>>>>> These locations were concealed and out of the way and especially the salon seat back locations were also the farthest away concealed location from the boat centerline that I could find.  Being lead, the weight was the most efficient size possible as well.
>>>>> As I write this, I will probably just put that lead shot back onto our boat and keep it stored in those locations to reduce our port list.
>>>>> Dave Swanson
>>>>> S/V Emily Ann
>>>>> 2007 C320 MK II, No. 1107
>>>>> Mukilteo, WA
>>>>>
>>>>>> On Jul 17, 2015, at 2:51 PM, Warren Updike  wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Two years ago we added an air conditioner in the port locker. Works great.
>>>>>> Sorry we didn't do it sooner. However, the additional 60lbs only added to
>>>>>> the port list. I located a company in Baltimore that makes a product
>>>>>> specifically for custom molded ballast. It's a cement type product to which
>>>>>> you add water to create a ballast of a desired shape. I've been thinking of
>>>>>> adding about 100-125 lbs of ballast to the port side to compensate for the
>>>>>> list which is now an issue for me. I can't determine where to put the
>>>>>> ballast. There is no room in the battery area under the settee, nor outboard
>>>>>> of the holding tank. I could place some in the space under the little seat
>>>>>> in the aft cabin, and in the storage holes behind the head cushion in the
>>>>>> aft berth. Perhaps under the fuel tank, maybe in the bottom of the hanging
>>>>>> locker, or in the stbd storage space under the aft berth.
>>>>>> Anyone done this or have ideas?
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Warren Updike
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Towson, MD