Big ballast and engine divider issues????????

[Neverenough]

I have read all the threads about reinforcing the dividers after adding big sacs. Well I have a new idea I'm thinking about selling. I have a friend who has an iron shop and we came up with this. It a plate of steal slightly thinner than the StarBoard that comes from the factory. Thinner because I plan on having it sprayed by a liner shop. It weights about 50 lbs but we could add as much to the plate as wanted by welding more plate to the new divider. I have tested it for two days of hard surfing in rough water with 1100 lb sac full. Switching the divider from side to side depending on which side we were surfing. No more worries about the Starboard plastic divider. Plus we could make them as heavy as you could handle without eating room in the lockers. It's kind tough to move so I'm thinking about building two. Let me know what you guys think.

[scottb7]

I like the idea! I put some bars across to support but it kind of bugged me cause I like the totally unobstructed engine access, which I now gave up somewhat. Of course shipping them will be costly, won't it?

[shag]

How hot would that steel get? Raise the engine compartment temp? I like the weight idea

[Neverenough]

Shipping would be higher I bet. So far it's just bare steal without the spray in liner no issues with heat. Fat sac has been against it for several hours of surfing. Ill update with pics after its sprayed. I have another idea to piggy back this deal for adding weight.

[wakeboarder3780]

Wouldn't want it in my boat simply because of the weight and wouldn't want to be swinging around something that heavy and handing it to buddies and having it slip in their wet hands and then guillotine some toes off as it lands on their bare feet. Don't want to rain on the parade, but something to think of anyway. Just be really mindful when handling them. You sure could handle some weight with those badboys though!

[bradw]

Wouldn't want it in my boat simply because of the weight and wouldn't want to be swinging around something that heavy and handing it to buddies and having it slip in their wet hands and then guillotine some toes off as it lands on their bare feet. Don't want to rain on the parade, but something to think of anyway. Just be really mindful when handling them. You sure could handle some weight with those badboys though!

Prob going to rust and stain everything too,

[xrichard]

Great idea and I like that it adds a little ballast...but I wouldn't do it because I wouldn't want to move something that heavy around the boat (e.g. for engine maintenance, cleaning, etc). A piece of aluminum angle works well for my 750s (at least so far).

[Neverenough]

It's heavy for sure but it ill not rust after the spray liner. Gotta admit it does freak me out moving it. I never wear shoes on a boat and have thought about how bad it would hurt if I slipped!

[iamcdn]

Cool idea but it seems like a lot of work where there is an easy fix. I installed something similar to Scott and tested it out with my 1100s and it held easily. It cost next to nothing and took no time to install. I didn't even have to drill any holes since a 4 foot piece fit in the holes that were present from the hard tank brackets. Cost me $30 and 20 minutes.

[Neverenough]

Spray on liner done. Think ill build another one so I only have to move for engine work.still need to add the tab for locker door

[rbalan]

Seems like it would have been a good idea to make 2 cutouts at the top for handles. It sure would make for safer/easier handling, but I like the idea. Is it 1/2 " plate?

[Neverenough]

Its a great idea and my fab guy suggested it but I rushed him. It's 5/16 plate