Page:Small-boat sailing; an explanation of the management of small yachts, half-decked and open sailing-boats of various rigs; sailing on sea and on river; cruising, etc (IA smallboatsailing01knig).pdf/64

 cause a capsize. As metal ballast is heavier than any other, it can be stowed low, more especially if it is moulded to fit into the flooring; and consequently the boat ballasted with it will be stiffer under canvas, and will sail faster than one ballasted with a more bulky material, such as stones or sand.

The risks of sailing are much reduced for the novice if his craft is unsinkable. If a boat will float though full of water, her owner, in the event of a capsize, can hold on to her side until some one comes to his rescue; and in most cases his craft also will be recovered undamaged, whereas a boat of higher specific gravity, sinking in deep water, will in all probability be lost. Water, therefore, though somewhat bulky, is the safest form of ballast that can be used, and is strongly recommended to the tyro. Iron or zinc water-tanks should be constructed to fit closely into the bottom of the boat amidships. A boat thus ballasted is practically no heavier when filled with water after a capsize than if she had no ballast at all in her; for the weight of the tanks themselves is inconsiderable. By means of a small pump, the tanks can be readily filled or emptied at will—a great advantage; for, by discharging the water ballast, one can materially lighten the boat when one lowers the sail to take to the oars, or when one is about to run her on the beach and haul her up. If lead or iron ballast be employed, the boat should be made unsinkable by placing in her water-tight compartments, which