This is a Keel Ballast for an East Coast 12 Sailboat model with  ¼-20 threaded brass inserts to simplify the attachments of accessories to the keel.

If you pour the lead inside the keel, you have pretty much to live with the results; it will be difficult to fix or change something. (Editors Note: ballasts cast this way are removable, just not easily)

This is a removable ballast that will slide in the keel cavity without forcing it; the EC-12 keel cavity is slightly narrower at the top than deeper down.

It will be easier and will give you more flexibility to work on it.  It can be removed to do maintenance to the Hull or transfer it to another hull since the EC-12 is a One Design Class.

I used a Hickman – 447 as model for the prototype. The Center of Gravity of the Full Ballast and the Center of Lateral Resistance of the hull ( at 32 5/8 “ ) are approximately in the same vertical line, probably the best weight distribution.

This ballast has a slightly higher horizontal position of the CG in respect to poured ballast, but there are so many variables involved in  balancing the boat that I am not sure if this can be really an issue. Race results usually are affected more by the abilities of the skipper in tuning and racing the boat, so don’t underestimate the advantages of a removable Keel Ballast and the “Keep It Simple” approach.

To anchor the Ballast to the Hull I will use some Hot Glue where the   Ballast touches the Hull.  Hot Glue is not difficult to remove when necessary.

Thanks to Val for this.