How to Balance Weight on a Sailboat

Proper weight distribution is a key factor to getting the most out of your sailboat. An improperly balanced sailboat unnaturally hampers its own design, creating turbulence in the water and sometimes even creating an onboard hazard. Whether you're justing going out for a day sail or you're doing a long term cruise, it's important to properly balance weight on your sailboat.

Instructions

1. Survey the weight onboard. Almost all sailboats are designed with the weight and positions of various components in mind. However, boats that have had modifications or new equipment installed can be off balance. So, do a quick survey of components on board to get a total weight onboard (as apart from the boat's own displacement) and to see how the weight is distributed.

2. Record the weight of provisions and other non-permanent weight. You might not think that your stock of beers or the cooler or onboard fridge makes a big difference. However, when you're looking to increase your sailboat's speed by half a know, a few extra pounds matter. Make a note of all things brought on board and their approximate weight. Also, include the weight and lateral distribution of your water supply and its gradual depletion.

3. Use the crew. While beer, life rafts and refrigerators are relatively difficult to move around a sailboat, the crew is easy to move. Use the crew to balance weight, not just against each other or gear onboard but against the weight of the wind. Put crew members on the up side of the boat when it heels to find the best combination between maximum sail surface area and minimum hull drag in the water. It might take a little experimentation but if the crew is patient you'll find the right balance.

4. Experiment with different points of sail. Especially on smaller boats like dinghies, moving weight around the sailboat on different points of sails can help you leverage speed out of weight distribution. Try moving weight back when the boat is on a run and doing the opposite when the boat is sailing upwind. The important thing is to experiment with different points of sail and different crews to find what works best.