balast in 485

IP 485 has two ballast compartments aft in lazaret port and starboard. After installing windless and ground tackle at bow I added weight to rear ballast compartments. How much weight should we expect to carry in this compartment? Why were these compartments added?

I think the best way to determine how much weight to add is by looking at the waterline and seeing how the boat sits. My preference is to have her sit just a bit higher at the bow. When we bought our 420 it had a stack of lead beneath the cockpit that weighed 1100 pounds. We removed it all to install a 400 pound genset and the boat still sat pretty much the same afterwards so we didn't put any of the lead back in. Just add what's necessary for good trim.

The ballast was intended to replicate future cargo or equipment in the aft lazarette(which can be way more than the original ballast placed). The boat should have come with the ballast in place. In my experience, once we loaded the boat up for cruising, installed an arch, and hung a dinghy on the stern: we could never get enough weight forward...I would not put the ballast back in unless you can see the bow is lower at the water line.

John--485 owner for 8 years.

Thanks John,

Have now added much weight mid to aft of boat arch,dingy/motor, 3ac units, watermaker and scuba tanks.Also added 9kw generator. Boat came with about 60lbs iron ingots all rusty and bow was a little low. Placed in 600lbs lead. I will probably remove all 600lbs. Please let me know any additional info you would like to share about your 485. Think we have talked to you guys somewhere. We are currently in Vero Beach Florida.
Richard

Thanks,

Why so much weight?

Richard