Because of its high density and resistance against corrosion, lead is commonly used for marine ballast in ships and sailing vessels.
Lead ballast is either external ballast, which is built into the keel or is internal ballast which can be in many forms including lead blocks, lead balls or lead ingots.
Lead Marine Ballast for ships is used to distribute weight, counteract buoyancy, and provide stability. Lead ballast is used in sailboats moment to resist the lateral forces on the sail which prevents the boat from being blown sideways by the wind, and keeps the boat right-side up. The lead weight is typically kept as low in the water as possible to provide the maximum righting moment that can be extracted from the given mass For sailboats it used in the boats keel.
Marine Ballast Lead comes in a variety of sizes, shapes and grades; common is Machine Lead which is around 1-4% Antimony content and the balance is Pure Lead.
External Ship Ballast Weights
On many modern vessels, the keel is made of high density lead casting, including machined or cast-in fixtures. In some cases the lead keel can be cast in one piece, called a solid pattern or if it must be cast in a split pattern. Lead keel castings can range from 100 lbs to 200,000 lbs., and can take virtually any shape or size.
Lead keel bulbs are often used in sailing vessels, these provide additional turning moment to prevent tipping and allow the vessel to sail closer to the wind.
Sheet Lead can also be used for ballast applications when additional weight is required for wrapping Lead Keel Bulbs and Fins.
Internal Ship Ballast
Historical forms of ballast carried inside the hull were stones or sand. However lead ballast provides a more flexible and easier to use alternative. Internal lead ballast can consist of many forms including lead shot, lead ingots and lead blocks ranging in size from 10lbs and up.
Lead shot is an option for ballast requirements when space is tight. Lead shot is also excellent for trim ballast applications, keel centerboard ballast fills and lifting keel applications.
One piece internal lead keel castings are also sometimes used.
Please click for Marine Lead ballast product information.
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