exposed ballast

[diving in]

I've been grinding the bottom paint on my Pearson Triton and found that the ballast is almost completely exposed (no fiberglass surrounding it on the outside of the boat). There is just bottom paint directly on the metal surface. Is this normal/ acceptable or does it need to be covered with layers of fiberglass? I don't have any pics right now but can post one if it'll help.

Thanks in advance,
Stephen

[Rachel]

Hi Stephen,

It is normal if your Triton is an "East Coast" model and is older than about #382 (of course there are always exceptions, it seems).

That's because the ballast pig on the earlier EC Tritons is of the external type and attached by keel bolts vs. the newer ones which are set inside the hull molding.

If you have a Triton with encapsulated ballast (later type) and you can see the lead from the outside, well then you have a problem. But I bet you simply have an earlier EC model with external ballast.

Rachel

[Tim]

Normal. Acceptable. Don't glass it.

[Bluenose]

Or depending on the use, or more accurately abuse, of your boat, preferred.

[Rachel]

Bill, is that your boat? I can't remember if you have encapsulated or external ballast, so I don't know if I'm looking at encapsulated ballast with a serious "ouchie" or external ballast with just a hunk of cosmetic fairing knocked off.

Rachel

[Case]

Its cosmetic filling only. I've seen a neglected Shield somewhere in Westport, Massachusetts years ago. Because of that Shields, I know its an external ballasted sailboat for certain.

- Case

[Bluenose]

Bill, is that your boat? I can't remember if you have encapsulated or external ballast, so I don't know if I'm looking at encapsulated ballast with a serious "ouchie" or external ballast with just a hunk of cosmetic fairing knocked off.

Rachel

Rachel,

I will PM you an answer so as to not seriously highjack this thread.

Cheers, Bill

[diving in]

Great! I was a little worried when I first noticed the exposed ballast, but my Triton is an earlier EC model so I feel much better now. I've made lots of progress and will update my thread in the projects section soon (Triton 122).

Thanks for the replies,
Stephen