New Idea for 300-400 lbs of hidden lead in the bow

[cyclone]

eureka.

I am going to take some cylindrical containers, PVC pipe or even rubber inner tube and fill 4 ft lengths with steel shot or lead. Then, I will push them up through the access hole forward of the bilge pump on all Epics. It is a 4" or so? hole in the vertical bulkhead leading up into the bow. The steering cables, dash and engine wiring go through this space under the bow floor but it is mostly open. It is kind of where ski lockers are in some boats.

I will try to encase the wiring passing through with extra large split loom, so that there is a chaseway for wiring if I ever need to add more. I will also string a chase through there so I'll be ready to go if I need to pull more wire (always do!)

This should work in any Epic, I think that part of the boat is very similar.

[cyclone]

Here's a pic of where I'm going to drill the hole. I will epoxy in a ring of PVC pipe about .5 in long in the hole, that will make it strong if that bulkhead provides any structural support.

Pat S. tells me that there is a knockout on his boat near where I'm wanting to do this, I think it'll be fine.
Another option would be to put one of those round 6" deckplates right in the middle of the bow floor. If I were to go with the bicycle inner tubes full of lead shot, I could drop them right down in there.

The carpet could be made snapin with a relief for the cover.

Either way, I see no downside, and the weight is much lower in the boat so it will be more effective there and will not disrupt handling so much as weight above the deck floor.

[phenom_1819]

Great idea'r.  I'd be up for trying it too.  I've been debating going with lead for a while, but it's expensive and hard to find.  And it would have to be practical (and safe -- for me and the boat) or I wouldn't do it.  Somebody in the Seattle area makes lead bricks and coats them in rhino-lining, with a thick fire-hose-like handle for easy handling.  They wanted like $100 for a 50-60 lb. brick.  I passed on it and haven't seen anything similar since.

I'd only do 200 lbs or so if I did it because I trailer long distances every time I use the boat.

[cyclone]

I think I'm gonna try 200 lbs and see how it goes. I have a general rule that someone has to sit in the bow anyway.

If you put in a deck plate, you could pop it open and pull out the weights to trailer. KIND of a pain, but I'd certainly do it for long trips.

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/producte/10001/-1/10001/51503/0/0/deck%20plate/All_2/mode+matchallpartial/0/0

I'm going to the tire store and try to get some wheel weights. I will melt them in a Goodwill saucepan on the grill burner outside. I may pour them into mini muffin pans and make golfball sized slugs that i can drop into the inner tube. Or buy lead or steel shot, which might be denser.

There is a really hot lady at the tire store, i think she'll gimme the weights.

Here's the pic.

[PSullivan3]

Pete, do you think that by cutting that hole so close to another hole that you may weaken that area,if you do that maybe beefing up that area with some 1/8" to 3/16" aluminum plate adhered with an epoxy with the same hole cut in it, and then put your cover on that. Just a suggestion.

[cyclone]

8" might be pushing it;) I'll probably try the bilge hole first.

[lesman01]

....

There is a really hot lady at the tire store, i think she'll gimme the weights.

Here's the pic.

Forget the lead. I'm still waiting for the picture of the hot lady at the tire store.

[bullet1w]

Just put the "hot lady" in the front (she's about 250).  Problem solved!

[cyclone]

My camera phone is busted otherwise I'd get a pic.