2009 Avon Rover RIB 280 Water Ballast?

[jefndeb]

Hello,

I have a RIB that i lifted on the dock to clean the bottom some yesterday and i noticed it had an additional plug on the lower stern that when removed allowed water to pour out....i assume it is used for ballast???

This RIB is new to me after selling my West Marine 310 following endless attempts to patch.....

Now I am wondering maybe that may have something to do with why my Yamaha 9HP has not been able to get it up on plane....hmmmm....

Too much water in there?

You cant really see the plug in the pics but its just below the water line some...

I have not been able to find any info online about this particular RIB concerning water ballast..

comments welcome..

Jeff

[keepondancin]

Drains the space/bilge between the hull and the floor. Probably have leakage at the joint between the floor and the hull. Not at all uncommon with RIB's. I am on my second RIB in 25 years, an Achilles, now about 5 years old, and I get water in there, usually fresh water from rain If it builds up inside. Will definitely slow you down. It's not water ballast.

[DeValency]

Most probably not water ballast as this looks like a double floor fiberglass RIB. You really don’t want any water there. The rib is heavy enough without it.

Check the bottom and around for possible cracks. Also look for any cracks at the floor that allowed rain water to get in.