Make sure you have adequate secondary flotation. If your boat ever gets holed, it will be a pretty reef for fish.

Shawn

: I was wondering if anyone here has added ballast for day trips. What I was
: thinking of was epoxy coated 1-1/4" rebar fastened securely into the
: fore and aft hatches (maybe 40# total, depending on the day paddle). The
: reason is that my boat is great for overnight trips or longer day trips
: with some gear, but on short trips she rides a little high. The addition
: of concentrated mass that close to the keel line will help with stability
: and rolls as well. My support strokes and such are fine, but in some
: conditions that little bit of righting force would help a lot.

: Also, what are your thoughts on where the ballast should be placed? For
: example, if I placed them at the CG (i.e. in the cockpit) I would think
: that would allow the boat to go over chop a little better (sea saw for
: example) than having the weight in the fore and aft hatches.

: The only reason I was thinking rebar is because I had some 1-1/2 foot
: lengths. Lead could work also (although it is hazardous of not coated and
: I don't have any on hand). I had thought water but steel/lead would bring
: the CG of the ballast nice and low.

: Thanks for any insight.