Thanks Jerry. I always wondered what that hump was and why. I have managed to carry the weight forward to an unsuccessful extreme. On one of the Chesapeake cruises I had 8 gallons of water, a 40 lb inflatable kayak, and a 50lb cooler as far forward as possible. When beating into a 18 kt wind with 2 - 3 foot seas the bow was too deep in the water to maintain a good speed. Live and learn. When I know I will be taking guests out I will often fill a 5 gal jug of water and put it in the bow to retain the balance for the day and it works well. Two guest, a full 5 gal, one guest 3 gallons. If you place permanent weight aft of the CB you will have a permanent trim bias towards the stern so I would not do that, which is what I think Jerry is saying. Thanks Doug Kelch jerry <jerry@jerrymontgomery.org> wrote: That's the reason for the trim bassast under the fwd berth- just forward of the bulkhead. Jerry jerrymontgomery.org ----- Original Message ----- From: "Norm" To: Sent: Tuesday, June 05, 2007 2:07 PM Subject: M_Boats: Regarding extra ballast for an M15 When I sail with a friend who weighs 250#, we hit consistently 6 - 6.5 k on a reach in 15-18 k winds. This speed increase comes when he stands in the cabin. I have even seen an occasional 7 k on my GPS with him standing in the cabin and leaning forward at the base of the mast. We go back into the 5k area when he comes into the cockpit. Norm M15 #172 _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.472 / Virus Database: 269.8.9/834 - Release Date: 6/5/2007 2:38 PM _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats --------------------------------- Be a better Heartthrob. Get better relationship answers from someone who knows. Yahoo! Answers - Check it out.