January 2016: Many A Scow sailors worry about the weight of their boat, especially as the boat gets older. Â The minimum weight for an A Scow is 1850 lbs., including everything but the sails (hull, mast, boom, rudders, boards, and rigging). Boats are weighed and certified by the builder (Melges) when they are manufactured, and lead correcting weight (up to 185 lbs. max.) is added under the mast step, close to the centerline, if needed to bring the boat up to the proper weight.
You can get your boat reweighed by request to NCASA, but to keep the process orderly and to minimize hassle for everyone, we are implementing the following procedures beginning January 1, 2016:
- Weighing is always done indoors. This is because wind can affect the accuracy and of course you don’t want to be rained on during weighing.
- Weighing can be done at two locations: Northern Fleets at White Bear Boat Works in White Bear Lake (with NCASA Scale), Southern and Eastern Fleets at Melges Performance Sailboats (with Melges Scale).
- We require at least two weeks notice to schedule a weighing. If possible we can accommodate shorter schedules, but you should plan on two weeks.
- All requests should be made to NCASA who will then contact WBBW or Melges to set up an appointment. Appointments are required as both shops are busy and sufficient space is required.
- NCASA will charge a re-weighing fee of $100 to be collected by the Class Association.
- In addition, there will be a labor charge of $105 per hour (or current shop hourly rate) for conducting the weighing and any subsequent work (removing / adding lead) that may be required.
- You should expect a minimum of two hours shop time for the procedure – more if you end up needing work done to add or remove lead. You may do the work to add or remove lead yourself, but you will need to bring your own tools and you will need to move outdoors to do the work so you don’t tie up the vendors shop area.
- After adding or removing lead, the boat must be re-weighed to verify that the work was done correctly.
- Prior to weighing, your boat will be inspected -Â boats must be clean and dry and free of any accessories (sails, life jackets, tools, sponges, paddles, etc.). If any water is found in the bilge, backbone or behind the board boxes you will need to sponge it completely dry.
- You must bring your own lifting bridle in good condition. NCASA, Melges nor WBBW are responsible for any failure of your lifting bridle, chainplates, etc.
- When you bring your boat for weighing at the appointed time, you should have a minimum of two people along as it is your responsibility to uncover the boat, remove tie-down bunks and attach your lifting bridle.
