There are two different kinds of ballast being referred to in this thread.
In a modern sailing yacht the ballast is fixed as part of a vessel and
cannot be eliminated from its displacement tonnage. However, in commercial
vessels and some older types of yacht the ballast is inside and can
therefore be removed, giving the vessel a reduced displacement. Many such
vessels, having discharged cargo and lacking further cargo, must take on
ballast in order to be seaworthy to go on to their next destination.
"Scotty" wrote in message
. ..

"Ellen MacArthur" wrote in
message
reenews.ne
t...

"RogueIT" wrote
| When I see that a boat has a Displacement of 4550 and
the ballast is
| 1900, should I think the overall weight of the boat is
4550 or 6450?


You should think the overall weight is both added
together. And, that's
probably on the light side because that's *empty* weight.


You should think again.

Scotty