Reinell Ballast

[PCUK]

Rebuilding this 1978 V-204 and in the process of removing some rot have just discovered several lead ingots amounting to about 200 Kgs in total bonded into the hull right aft adjacent to the engine mounting position. I assume they were to compensate for the light weight of the original V8 engine. Now that I have a GM V8 diesel (yes, yes, I know!!!) I am wondering whether to take out the ballast to save weight both when on the trailer and when under way. I believe the diesel weighs about 320Kgs. What would be the weight of the original V8 petrol? Any ideas?

 

[AndieMac]

Apparently 390 kgs, plus the leg/outdrive weight.

The diesel sounds light for a DD?!

What is the actual length of your boat?

 

[penfold]

It will be one of those things Samurai imported(are they still in business?) rather than a Detroit stroker. They don't have a very good reputation, although a lot of that was/is down to Samurai rather than GM; I recall that the marinisation gear was not great quality.

 

[shaxi]

I recall that the marinisation gear was not great quality

i think it better to pay more for the high quality one than what you have now ,it will save money in the long run !

 

[PCUK]

We've done the whole Samurai thing to death time and time again. All I'm asking about is ballast!

 

[penfold]

We've done the whole Samurai thing to death time and time again. All I'm asking about is ballast!

A small block V8 will be about 100kg lighter, the exact figure depending on manifolds etc. Remove the ballast and see what happens; it's only the equivalent of 2 passengers after all.

 

[Spi D]

Running a planing boat, designed for speed, you want to carry no extra weight at all.

Remove all weight you can and use trim to control your boat's attitude.

When light you save power=fuel and improve performance.

 

[PCUK]

Thanks for that. Since the last post I have now cut out the other side of the engine compartment and there is no ballast there. So it now seems that it is athwartship trimming ballast. I should be able to compensate by moving batteries and calorifier to the ballasted side. Don't want to be dragging lead around for no reason!

 

[neale]

200kg of lead is worth about £250 at the mo

 

[PCUK]

Thanks Neale - kerchinggg!

 

[jimandjunep]

Did you remove the ballast? Want to give/sell it? I am interested but soon please.