Marine Ballast

Lead Marine Ballast for boats, ships, barges and more.

Pure Lead Products has become an expert in supplying marine ballast. Ships cannot sit correctly in the water without the use of ballast (weights) in the keel or in the lower parts of the hull. This additional mass provides a righting moment to help keep the boat upright in the water.

Lead is a commonly used material for boat ballast, particularly in sailboats, due to its high density, corrosion resistance, and ease of shaping. Here are some key points about lead for boat ballast:

Our Florida location is convenient for the dozens of boat manufacturers in Florida. Also individual boat, yacht owners also purchase lead from us to balance their crafts. This ballast can be from hundreds of pounds of lead brick, lead pigs, lead shot or lead ingots for individual boats and yachts. Many Florida boat owners have come to our location to get their ballast.

We also ship lead ballast all over the country.

Barge Ballast

For some larger vessels like barges we have shipped 10’s of thousands of LBS.

Ballast can also be custom fabricated to fit and coated for safe handling. In addition to the below options.

Boat Ballast

Many Florida boat owners have come to our location to get their ballast. The smaller boat community requires weight to balance changes to the boat interiors, like a new appliance or a relocation of cabinets, beds, etc. PLP can recommend the right weights for boat owners here and within the region and deliver quickly. Several boat manufacturers are our customers.

Lead ballast is a vital component in marine vessels, serving several critical functions. Firstly, it enhances stability and balance, ensuring the vessel maintains its upright position in turbulent waters. This is particularly crucial for sailboats, as it counteracts the force of wind on the sails. Additionally, lead’s high density allows for compact placement, maximizing space efficiency within the vessel. Moreover, lead ballast assists in reducing a vessel’s rolling motion, enhancing comfort for passengers and preventing seasickness. However, it’s essential to consider environmental impacts, as lead can be toxic.  Overall, lead ballast remains an integral part of marine engineering, balancing safety, and functionality. :

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Pure Lead Products is certainly convenient for the marine industry here in Florida, where we deliver lead ballast to boats & Yachts on a regular basis. We also have our own trucks, so we can ship your marine ballast almost anywhere for a reasonable price.

For More on why use lead for ballast see below:

1. High Density: Lead is a heavy and dense material, which makes it ideal for providing stability to boats. The high density of lead allows for a significant amount of weight to be concentrated in a relatively small space.
2. Corrosion Resistance: Lead is highly resistant to corrosion, especially when submerged in water. This property ensures that the ballast remains effective over time and does not deteriorate due to exposure to the marine environment.
3. Moldability: Lead can be easily molded and shaped to fit the specific design requirements of a boat’s ballast system. This flexibility allows boat manufacturers to create custom ballast shapes that optimize stability.
4. Keel Ballast: In many sailboats, lead is used to create the keel, which is a large fin-like structure that extends below the hull into the water. The weight of the lead keel helps lower the boat’s center of gravity, improving stability and preventing capsizing.
5. Bilge Ballast: Some smaller boats and racing sailboats use lead blocks or plates as bilge ballast. These can be moved around the boat to adjust its stability or performance.
6. Safety Considerations: While lead is a common choice for ballast material, there are safety considerations regarding handling and disposal. Lead is a heavy metal that can be toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. It’s important to take precautions when working with lead, such as wearing protective gear and properly disposing of any waste.
7. Maintenance: Lead ballast generally requires minimal maintenance, but it’s essential to inspect it periodically for any signs of damage or corrosion. Any issues should be addressed promptly to ensure the boat’s continued stability.
8. Regulations: Boat manufacturers must adhere to regulations and standards regarding the use of lead for ballast. These regulations may include guidelines on how lead ballast should be safely encapsulated to prevent environmental contamination.