Sitting Stern Heavy

[HeaveToo]

So I am in the water.  I have made several modifications to the boat this spring.

I was noticing that I am sitting a bit stern heavy.  I am guessing that is because of the battery modification (at least I am good on the side to side).

It was better when I had the water tank filled (13.2 gallons).  The problem is that my water tank leaked a little overnight.  I am still trying the figure that problem out and I have emailed the manufacturer.  I lost about half of the tank.  I drained the rest.

So I have a 22 pound lewmar claw on the front with 30' 5/16" chain.  Still, I need more weight in the front, I guess. 

Has anyone else had this issue?  Any suggestions?

After this I wish I had added about 20' of chain when I bought chain.  LOL

[brackish]

I had that problem.  Pretty much solved it by changing motors.  From 104 lbs. to 59 lbs.  In addition, I plan to go from two batteries to one, now that I do not have electric start any more and that should improve it even more.  I also moved my inflatable dink which is fairly heavy to the forward most storage bin under the fore peak cushions.  Just fits,  Also moved any unused heavy junk out of the cockpit lockers.

[cw021382]

Heave, I have a diesel so I don't have the outboard on the transom, but I am planning on installing 2 6v agm batteries in the keel to save on overall weight and move the weight to the center of the boat.  No dedicated start battery for me.  This will be the heart of my solar system.  A lot of work but worth it.  I am also going to do away with the fuel tank in the stern, and locate a tank under the cockpit sole up against the bulkheads on the center line.  I may have a fuel tank made to match the old holding tank I removed from under the port side v berth.  This would balance well with the water tank on the starboard side.  However, I would like to add another water tank there and increase water capacity to 24 gal.  I already have the deck fill and vent so it would not be to much work.  Adding weight to the bow to balance the overloaded stern is not a good idea.  That would just increase the hobby horse effect.  I think brackish is right on:  go to a lighter outboard.  Also move all heavy gear in the cockpit lockers forward, and relocate the batteries if needed and you feel like you need another project.  I would leave your fuel tank where it is. 

-Chris

[Bob23]

Before the factory bladder started leaking, I would also fill it and it did help to balance the boat. I new keep my 2- 5 gallon Reliant water jugs in the storage bins forward of the bulkhead and that helps a lot. Besides that, I try to keep the boat light. And the cooler is kept forward of the bulkhead, too. All that beer weighs something!
Bob23

[HeaveToo]

I didn't use Teflon Tape in the threads of the tank fittings when I installed them. I didn't see anything in the instructions about using Teflon tape that I recall.

I am thinking I am going to replace the top water hose as part of the prevention. It is an older cheap hose and I would rather go to a stronger PVC style hose. It could be the source of the leak.

About half of the tank was left when I got back to the boat. That half didn't seem to be leaking but the leak is small enough that I can't tell where it is leaking from.

I took a lot of time and did some extra stuff when I put the tank in. I lined the area with closed cell foam and a few other things. I secured it well so it wouldn't move around a lot.

Right now I think that the leak is in the inlet area. This is based on the fact that the whole tank wasn't wasted and I think that the top hose is not that good (cheap plastic type hose). It was already in the boat when I put the tank in (the hose).

I sent an email to the manufacturer. We will see how they respond and if they have any advise or any suggestions.

Now I am wondering if I should have used Teflon Tape.

[agentjohnson]

Always use teflon tape for threaded fittings when water of gas will flow through them. Threads don't fit perfect, the tape fills all the little voids.

[HeaveToo]

The bladder tanks are designed with an O ring to make the seal.  I don't want to interfere with that.

I am leaning towards a hose issue.  That is where I will start confronting the problem by replacing the old el' cheapo hose (corrugated plastic hose) with good 1 1/2" Reinforced PVC hose.  I will double hose clamp it and check the tightness on the fittings. 

Hopefully that works.

I haven't heard a darn thing from Plastimo.  I hope that the respond as well but they are taking their sweet time.

[BruceW]

I have same issue; didn't feel like using the water bladder. I put a few jugs of water up there, and might get a few more. Have also thought about putting a bag of sand up there. The water jugs are at least useful for drinking water if I just used them.

If I just use a jug, replace a jug, that should be do-able, and I won't be too much out of trim. Besides, I can only find 60 lb bags of sand, and that would be a pita.

Maybe I should make that area a cooler, and have the drinks up there. Hmmm, how would that drain? Eh, I'll stick with the jugs for now.

[HeaveToo]

In the area where the anchor rode is stored there is a 5 gallon bucket in my boat.  The Previous Owner did this for several reasons and it was a pretty good idea.  Underneath the bucket there is an old paint can to sit the bucket up a little higher.  I have thought about getting some lead and putting it in the paint can.  I could get some mileage out of that for weight.

Still, I am going to get this water tank working.  This is my cleaning water, etc, when I am cruising.  Eventually I will use it for a cockpit shower as well.

I still wish I had about 20' more of anchor chain.  That would help with the weight and I would only have a short section of nylon rode out.

[brackish]

Yep, I would go with the chain and weight redistribution of essential gear.  Somehow it seems counter productive just to add dead weight.

[Tom]

Three years ago I wanted a wing shaped rudder for my 23.  So being a life long wood worker and a cheap bastard I built a one piece all wood rudder to replace the original.  It will not lift up, but looks vintage, works good and weighs about ONE THIRD what the original rudder does.  It's epoxy covered wood so I guess it actually floats and helps lift the stern! I was surprised at how heavy the original metal rudder is,  so if you are ever thinking of buying a modified rudder, consider a simple wood or fiberglass one piece and save a lot of weight.

[BruceW]

Looks like that water tank (13 gallons @ 8 lbs per)  would weigh 100 lbs when full. 13 gallons is a lot of jugs of water. I have my anchor, chain & rode forward already.

I am going to put another jug or two of water in, but maybe I can find something else I already have and make sure it is forward.

Seriously, this is a lot of weight to compensate for.

[HeaveToo]

I managed to get the leak taken care of in my water tank.  It was that old inlet hose. 

Now that it is corrected and my tank is filled up to a good level I am sitting pretty! 

[BruceW]

Well, maybe I'll look into filling my water bag. It was empty when I got the boat, and I never considered actually using the water from there. The jug method would work, but use up a lot of room. Takes a bunch of jugs to equal the weight of the filled water bag. Hmmm. Something to think about.

[HeaveToo]

I am going to eventually do the upgrade that Brackish did and add a pressurized water system to the boat.  I will put a cockpit shower in the cockpit so I have a shower.

My boat is being set up for extended cruising...a few weeks at a time.

I have about 13 gallons in it now.  That is a bit of weight but it counters the new battery upgrade that I did. 

I shouldn't have power issues because I have 215 amp hours of house bank and a 100 watt solar panel set up now.  Water isn't an issue because I have to get fuel and ice every few days anyway so I just fill the tank and dump the porta potty at the same time. 

I still wouldn't mind adding a little weight upfront.  Maybe I will put the old 18 pound lewmar claw in the anchor locker with the 25' of small chain with it for a little more weight.  We shall see.