Steel Shot Ballast -G23

[GMLIII]

I was thinking of adding some additional 50lb steel shot ballast bags to my G23 in which I’’m currently using 500lbs . I have no interesting in supplimenting with water ballast bags because they are a pain and take up too much room . I was just getting a general consensus on what other folks were running in their G23 for shot ballast bags.

[Nautiquehunter]

The two things I like about water 1- they can be drained when not in use . Why drag all that extra weight if you don't have too. 2 They are ballast neutral so they will not add weight if the boat is sinking.

[BigEasy]

I run 550# in mine


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[Bevostein]

700# but a G25

[charlesml3]

The two things I like about water 1- they can be drained when not in use . Why drag all that extra weight if you don't have too. 2 They are ballast neutral so they will not add weight if the boat is sinking.

The two things I hate about water:

- They take up WAY more room than shot bags.
- I have to get a stupid pump out to fill/drain them.

And if your boat is sinking, ballast bags (shot or water) are not your biggest problem.

There is no right answer here. Both types of ballast have their advantages and disadvantages. There's actually one more advantage for shot bags:

- Leverage. You can shove a 50-pound shot bag way up in the very front of the bow. In that location, it has more leverage than a water bag which has to be further back.

[GMLIII]

The two things I hate about water:

- They take up WAY more room than shot bags.
- I have to get a stupid pump out to fill/drain them.

And if your boat is sinking, ballast bags (shot or water) are not your biggest problem.

There is no right answer here. Both types of ballast have their advantages and disadvantages. There's actually one more advantage for shot bags:

- Leverage. You can shove a 50-pound shot bag way up in the very front of the bow. In that location, it has more leverage than a water bag which has to be further back.

How many shot bags are you running Charles?

[charlesml3]

How many shot bags are you running Charles?

10, but it's in a 230, not a G23. I may add a few more in the spring. Over the summer, I've noticed that I really do like the surf wake with 6-7 people on the boat more than when we just have 2-3. I don't want to go really crazy here. The boat has to remain "user friendly."

-Charles

[jingram]

Im using #250 of leadwake bags under observers seat.

[SoCal G-Man]

I was thinking of adding some additional 50lb steel shot ballast bags to my G23 in which I’’m currently using 500lbs . I have no interesting in supplimenting with water ballast bags because they are a pain and take up too much room . I was just getting a general consensus on what other folks were running in their G23 for shot ballast bags.

I am curious what you decided to do??? Thanks!

[GMLIII]

I am curious what you decided to do??? Thanks!

Good timing now that I'm into my second season with my boat and extra steel shot bags. We all get "worn assout" with surf set up advice, but now since I have gotten to be a better surfer and had some quality time behind my G23, here is my ideal set up. All ballast 100%, NCRS 4, NSS 1, 11.7 mph, 200 lbs of steel shot in bow nose, 250 lbs port side observer seat, 150 lbs steel shot bags behind drivers seat, 150 lbs of steel shot behind observer seat. "NO" steel shot in stern lockers.

[SoCal G-Man]

Good timing now that I'm into my second season with my boat and extra steel shot bags. We all get "worn assout" with surf set up advice, but now since I have gotten to be a better surfer and had some quality time behind my G23, here is my ideal set up. All ballast 100%, NCRS 4, NSS 1, 11.7 mph, 200 lbs of steel shot in bow nose, 250 lbs port side observer seat, 150 lbs steel shot bags behind drivers seat, 150 lbs of steel shot behind observer seat. "NO" steel shot in stern lockers.

Thank you for the update!

[Sailfun]

I would be more concerned with the effects on trailering the boat. These are already very heavy boats and I see them towed often by vehicles that have no business pulling 7500Lbs let alone a higher amount with lead. Trailer capacity may also be a issue.

[markj]

Pretty sure Jeff runs 1000 lbs at all times.

[SoCal G-Man]

I would be more concerned with the effects on trailering the boat. These are already very heavy boats and I see them towed often by vehicles that have no business pulling 7500Lbs let alone a higher amount with lead. Trailer capacity may also be a issue.

Excellent points! My tow vehicles are rated for the weight. Trailer capacity is my primary concern.

[thejean]

I have 500 lbs. I also don’t take them out but I have a triple axle boatmate trailer and an F350...