INSTALLING LEAD IN KEELS:
The best method is to use pre-formed "pigs" of lead and then pour sufficient molten lead in and around the pigs to form one solid mass. The pigs can be interconnected by inserting through holes in the webs. The method of melting lead that is shown here will prove successful. Be careful of fumes from the melting lead.

Making lead ingots. These have been made in a triangle shape so as to pack closely into the keel before pouring molten lead over them to form one homogeneous mass. Eack ingot being stacked on this sheet of tin weighed 7.5 kg's (16 lbs)

This ballast is worn tractor pins set in resin putty. They only cost the builder the transport to get them to his building site. Scrap steel ballast when sealed correctly to prevent any corrosion is quite acceptable as ballast for a cruising vessel. The cost, if any, is only a fraction of the cost of lead. Make sure it's clean when you put it in your keel and then sealed it well and it will last a lifetime