BenPerfected

Carp,
The reason for the questions is because we haven't done any controlled testing to make a valid comparison of tabs to a ballast tank or to a combination of the two. On the next run in 3-4' conditions, we will back/back compare a full ballast tank (about 40 gal in the bow) to tabs only and to a tab/BT combination.

We have had numerous drunks on the boat, but it has been difficult to get them to crash in the bow together and then find anyone in good enough shape to operate the boat

MOBILEMERCMAN

I think you balance the boat for top speed in generally calm conditions. Than test for varying rough conditions. Once the boat has a good balance minor changes are all that is necessary.

I think 40 gallons of water is a huge adjustment. Especially if it is all the way forward.

It is harder to drive a bow heavy boat.

502stang

I am thinking about putting 2 ..20 gal tanks in the back corners of my boat.

Wahoo ATV

My Ballast tank is formed in the hull and holds 30 gals. We fill it with a foot pedal and takes 31 seconds to fill. The pedal lowers a pick up at the transom. There is no gage. When it is full a vent in the deck shoots water in the air. See the picture and you will see water shooting up on the deck. To drain it we have two large Ruel pumps that drain it in 36 seconds.

We only use it very rough conditions and add additional weights to the front which are fixed. They are stainless tanks filled with lead shot and bolted in.