Just thought I would post a picture of the ballast I made. It is essentially a steel box, used heavy gauge stuff and the box alone weighs about 100 lbs. Then filled it full of rocks. I was going to form up a concrete block, but I went this way so that I can vary the weight as needed, by filling with different materials.
Thanks to everyone who replied. Two things in evidence here and on TBN are things I lack - creativity and fabricating skills. But I am learning a lot just by reading here.
Mike (northcreek) - I think your rig looks awesome. Almost scary!