Hull & keel
What does Ballast mean?
Ballast is weight positioned to help a boat’s stability and trim. On many monohulls, a substantial portion is carried in or attached to the keel.
Why it matters when choosing a sailboat
Ballast weight or ballast ratio alone does not establish seaworthiness. Its location, hull shape, loading, watertight integrity and the boat’s stability characteristics must also be considered. Some boats use water ballast instead of a conventional fixed ballast keel.
A practical example
Two boats with the same ballast weight can behave differently if that weight is positioned differently.
A question to ask before buying
What ballast system does this design use, and what condition are its keel attachment and surrounding structure in?
Related sailboat terms
Put the term to work.
Compare model specifications in our research library, then check the actual boat’s configuration, records and condition. Equipment and dimensions can differ between versions of the same model.
Find models that fit your plans →