Ballast

[Rock]

I had hoped the sandbags near keel trick would have offered stability but from the discussion, this is plainly not the cure. So my wild imagination tells me the perfect solution is some type of moveable weight (not human) that shift to windward with little effort. Trouble is not how to rig somehting up, but how to keep it under seats, or at least from bisecting cockpit.In the world of aftermarket marine equipment, does anyone know of anything?

 

[Mr.Ernie]

A place to check

As you've probably gathered from this forum, the Bitter End Yacht Club in the BVI has at least 6, 216s and have had them for some time. This is originally where I heard that they were going to try to use the sand bags. I do know that they have put smaller sails on the boat for their everyday vacationer's use but haven't heard how the sand bags have worked out.You might try to contact Gordo Overing down there at: overing@hotmail.com for their latest approach to using this boat in stronger than average wind conditions. We would be interested in whatever you might find out from him concerning this and any other mods that they might be using.

 

[Bob Cowgill]

216 ballast...NOT!

After unsuccessfully trying 400 pounds of sandbag ballast in an effort to make the gusty wind response of the 216 more compatible with the first mate's idea of FUN,I have concluded that the Bitter End's solution is the correct one: Less sail area.I have just received the jiffy reef kit from Sailrite, and will be installing it as a 2nd reef point.I'll post the results as soon as I have them.Bob

 

[Jim]

Shorten your sails. This is not rocket science, . Jim