Balancing the Boat

[the_alpine]

So as Ive slowly added weight to the boat, shes developing a bit more "junk in the trunk." All of the weight added is aft: davits, solar on davits, dinghy on davits, outboard on stern rails, 4 12v batteries, not to mention the fuel tank is back there, as well as most storage.

So what to do? Most of that stuff cant be relocated. Jugs of water under the v birth to offset it? The bilge is very small, so no weight can go there. Ignore it? Change the waterline?

It doesnt seem to affect sailing performance (though im sure it is creating drag to some degree), but it is allowing slime and barnacle build up above the warerline bottom paint.

[ssanzone]

considered putting a windlass dedicated battery in the bow? more chain for the anchor?

with the dink and motor hanging off the back you will find it difficult to get enough weight in the bow to balance her out.

idk how much of a refit you are doing but, assuming you have the room, moving your water tanks upfront is most likely your best bet.

gl

-steve

[Jim Cate]

Yet another reason that davits on a yacht of this size are a poor idea...

And Mr Alpine, of course it is affecting your sailing performance... denying it is, well, denial! Whether or not you care is a different matter.

Moving some weight forward is better than nothing, but reducing your overload in the stern by removal is better IMO.

Cheers,

Jim

[sck5]

Batteries can be moved. Not easy but it usually can be done. The biggest thing I found that I could actually do something about was all of my tools and spares. They weigh a lot and made a difference when moved from the stern to a place more forward.

You just have to look at all your crap and see where you can trade heavier stuff in back for lighter stuff more forward.

Just putting more weight in the bow runs the risk of making it hobby horse.

[zeehag]

for junk in the trunk do not merely place a plow on the bow----hobby-horsing happens...load midships.

[the_alpine]

Moving the tools and spares is a good idea, but they're just so convenient where they're at. Thinking about it, when she was fully loaded for my Bahamas trip it wasn't really a problem. It's just since I've returned home and removed all of the extra bits and stuff in the boat that I've seen her ass end plummet. I sure seem to hit 6 knots a lot less now that I'm back home, though I also lost the consistency of the trades.

I guess I understand now why they make removable davits.. It really would be good to take them off now that the boat is back to being docked. But again, they sure are convenient.

[Tellus]

Watched the data of your boat , LWL 24,2", Beam 10" * 65% = ca. 17 sqm,
so if you add 1,7to to your boat, could immerge 10cm or 1cm per 170kg.

Store the weights deep in the middle and more to stern than to prow.
Keep an eye to the draft, 10cm ( 1/3" ) might be too much in mud or on rocks.
Add all, like water, diesel, anchor, chain, rib, outborder, gastank, safety equipment and: CREW!!

Just read an article abaout that in a sailing magazine.

regards Tellus

[the_alpine]

Id love to be able to store stuff in the middle (bilge) but theres no room in my small bilge.

Tools can move, spare parts too. Thats prob 80 lbs right there. Id live to move the batteries, but that would be a major project. I think the first step is to get the dinghy and tohatsu off the rear.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by the_alpine

Id love to be able to store stuff in the middle (bilge) but theres no room in my small bilge.

Tools can move, spare parts too. Thats prob 80 lbs right there. Id live to move the batteries, but that would be a major project. I think the first step is to get the dinghy and tohatsu off the rear.

Move the dinghy to the foredeck... it'll balance out the O/B sitting at the back...

[the_alpine]

Ya, but thats a hassle and blocks the hatch.. Im back to day/weekend sailing mode and likely wont need the dinghy very much.

[boatman61]

Problem solved then..