In other words, I was to be nothing but so much ballast.

There was too much ballast, as it were, for so little sail.

When storms arose he quietly lay down, and served as so much ballast to steady the boat.

As much ballast was placed in it as would keep the upper surface of the deck even with the water's edge.

Further, there is provided means for admitting air at will into the balloon, by which the necessity for much ballast is obviated.

In reaching the desired height that morning, however, much ballast had been used and the possibility of a renewed supply was jumped at.