23 sceptre

jobu · #1 06-10-2007, 07:17 PM

Wow...nothing like opening a can of worms. I am under the deck (floor out) and have this huge loose chunk of iron covered in fiberglass (10"x6"x30" +-). There is a matching chunk on the starboard side which is intact. I pulled it out...must weigh 200+lbs.
It looks like it was resined in place and the resin has deteriated.
Does anyone have any insight on this???
I assume it is a stringer/ballast of some sort.

65Bowrider · #2 06-10-2007, 07:29 PM

What year is your 23?
If you could take a picture that may help to id this iron ballast system you have!
Position in the boat of your extra 200 lbs x 2....?
In fact, a picture of the whole inside of your boat with floor out would be good.

Dave Hirshberg · #3 06-15-2007, 12:13 AM

It is common to fiberglass lead shot or lead pig into boats to compensate for a list to one side. This is the first I have heard of a Sceptre having any ballast added. I know some of the boats had a fixed fiberglass box on deck and a chair at the helm. Maybe a compensation for the weight difference?

jobu · #4 06-15-2007, 06:19 AM

I have a post in this topic with pics...please see
"Any help welcomed (alien modifications?)" by Jobu

Not sure if this is to strengthen the transom, add weight...but I do know it's coming out. It is causing the stern to get low and water splashes in the overflow penetrations on the transom...I plan on removing them and replacing with some glassed in timber (i figured it must be there for a reason

schooner · #5 06-18-2007, 03:59 PM

It might be ballast. The Sceptre has the additional weight of the windshield and deck forward. In addition, the passengers sit about 5 or 6 feet further forward than in the CC. Have thought about trying to get more weight aft on mine since its a little bow heavy with two big guys in the seats.