Lead to port

[yachtturner]

I just purchased a 1978 39 Irwin citation and removed the fiberglass fuel tank. to port there are two stacks of lead glassed in. what are the advantages to having them and why wouldn''t I remove them and build a bigger fuel tank. Any ideas would help
chris turner
fort lauderdale

[paulk]

Before removing them, try placing two comparable stacks to starboard, the same distance from the centerline, and watch how the boat floats on her lines. You may find out that the lead is needed to keep her flat. A bigger fuel tank may or may not replace the needed weight.