Ballast Ratio
Also known as: ballast/displacement ratio, stability ratio
The ratio of a yacht's ballast weight to its total displacement, expressed as a percentage. A typical cruising yacht has a ballast ratio of 30-45%, while performance-oriented designs may exceed 50%. Higher ballast ratios generally indicate a stiffer, more stable boat, though hull form and center of gravity also matter significantly.
Related Terms
Ballast
Weight placed low in a sailing yacht, typically in the keel, to provide stability and prevent capsizing. Modern yachts use lead or iron ballast, often shaped as a fin bulb or in a winged configuration. The ballast ratio (ballast ÷ displacement) is a key indicator of a yacht's stiffness and safety.
Technical
Displacement
The weight of the water displaced by a sailing yacht, which equals the yacht's total weight. Measured in tonnes or kilograms. Heavier displacement (diesel, steel, or heavily built) provides more comfort in rough seas and storage capacity but reduces acceleration and top speed compared to lighter displacement designs.
Technical
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