Gravel as ballast?

[Sailor John]

Hello all,
My friend at the club has an '86 Albin 43. Nice boat. Had if for about 3 years now and doing some good work on it. This morning he phoned and said he had found gravel in the aft bilge. He figures about 3" deep. I was surprised and wondered if it was to counter the weight of an all chain rode?
I have heard some sail boats have concrete but I have not heard of gravel. Any thoughts?

Sailor John

 

[Pascal]

Gravel is cheap but not very dense.

I used recycled lead shot in the hollow keel of the 26’ gaffer I built a few years ago. Not as dense as solid lead but easier than casting an external keel. Then sealed the top with fiberglass