: Does anyone have experience on adding weight for stability to approximate a
: loaded boat for cammping when day paddling? I have read about water in
: containers and so forth but want to be sure the weight stays low, is
: distributed evenly for trim and won't tumble around when leaning or
: rolling. I have a Merganzer 18 hybrid as well as a Necky Looksha IV.

put down a few rows of velcro -- the soft loop part -- laying them alnog the keel. Then put the hook part of the velcro on whatever you use to hold your ballast.

Liquid laundry detergent comes in nice plastic bottles which have large necks. You can grab the drip-proof pour spouts with a pliers and remove them from the bottle if you like. Then fill these with sand, gravel, or water. and you'll have nice neat ballast containers. You can lash them in place by running lines through the bottles handles, or glue on the velcro hooks.

You can fill these with water or sand from the entry beach, and then return that when you are done with your paddling, or, if you want something more permanent, fill them with concrete.

If filled with rocks, gravel, sand or concrete then these can also serve as anchors while you fish.

If you are using water for ballast then 2 liter bottles are a simple way to go. They are easily and rapidly available, and can serve double duty: Later, should you want bouyancy, you can jsut throw them back into the hold while they are empty. Obviously you would want ot mark those bottles used for potable water and those used for ballast. A mesh gear bag can be found or made whichwill hold 3 to 5 of these. the bag can then be lashed into place to keep the bottles from rolling around.

Hope this helps

PGJ