Ballast

[martynl]

I have a Shetland 498 fishing/small cruiser. It is 5 metres long. I have a problem with balance. When stationary in the water I find the bow lifts up too far and this has an affect on performance whilst on the plan.

I have tried adjusting the tilt on the outboard, and this hasn't worked. I have put two heavy bags of sand in the front which has solved the problem but I'd rather not use that unless I have to (space being the main problem).

So does anyone have any advice on what I can use as an alternative to sand. Or any other helpful tips.

Thanks in advance

Martyn

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[tony_brighton]

Thought of adding a couple of small trim tabs to help get on the plane?

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[Talbot]

move the fuel tanks further forward. add an anchor and chain, difficult to really get specific without sight of the boat and what you are carrying.

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[halcyon]

We had a Shetland many years ago, and had the same problem, overcome with two bags of sand up front.
When I sold the boat, I found the problem, at some point in time it had come down on a chain or rock, this had punched a hole in the outer hull on the centre 'keel'. As they are foam filled double hull, the inner stopped it sinking, but the foam acted as a sponge, and held gallons of water ballast in the stern.
Check you do not have the same.

Brian

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[martynl]

Thanks for the replies.

Brian

ok i'll check that. What model of Shetland did you have?

Do you know if there is any way to fix the problem?

Cheers

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