2 batteries in CP16 lazarette?

[ChuckD]

I currently have (1) 12V battery in my aft lazarette to power my 55# trolling motor. I charge/maintain at the pier.
To add range, I'd like to add a second battery and connect the 2 in parallel.

Questions:
1) Do any CP16 captains have 2 batteries in their aft lazarette?
2) Will the boat structure support 2?
(I know 2 batteries will physically fit. I know my personal BMI will offset the weight of the 2nd battery. Just interested in your experience.)

Thanks! Chuck

[Potcake boy]

Chuck,

My opinion:
Strongly suggest you find a suitable location closer to midship for better weight distribution, especially on a vessel as small as the 16. I'm sure the hull will support them in the aft locker as you have the water on the opposite side of the hull, but the hull is much stronger around the keel. Boat trim is very important to the handling quality of sailboats, too much weight in either end will have a negative impact. Is there room in the storage area? If you use AGM batteries you can mount them on their side.

I do love that you have ventured into electric propulsion. How do you like it so far? The more sailors adopt this concept, the more we will drive the market.

[DaleM]

I have had no problems with the battery in the Lazarette.  I have a second smaller 12 volt battery in the cabin at the base of the step down.  I run a second cable aft from the cabin. It  seems to balance well and it's nice to have a back up.  I also picked up a great idea on this site.  I carry a battery recharger in the cabin.  It has several outlets and two lights on top, handy for rigging in the dark.    It has a small air compressor, handy for the trailer tires.  I think it cost about $90.00 from Harbor Freight.    It's good for running the trolling motor if battery fails  and cockpit fan at night.    It's a bit overkill but it's nice to leave the heavy outboard motor at home.   I also attached my depth finder transducer to the base of the trolling motor which is great sailing in unfamiliar waters.
Good luck.

[Potcake boy]

Dale,

Please keep in mind that a group 24 weighs a little over 40 lbs., whereas two group 31 (a sensible solution for a trolling motor) weigh about 140 lbs. You can see the effect of that by having an adult sit in the back of your boat and compare the water line. Add to that the fact that many single handers tend to sit in the back half of the cockpit when under sail. But on the other side of the coin, Chuck is reducing the weight on the transom by replacing what would typically be a 55-60 pound outboard with a trolling motor that I would suspect comes in at about 20-25 pounds, as weight savings of about 35 pounds. So maybe your arrangement makes sense - having one in the cockpit locker and one inside the companionway.

Maybe Chuck could use some sandbags to test the effect of the extra weight in various locations.

[DaleM]

Ron makes a great point!  I failed to mention I use smaller 12 volt batteries that don't weigh as much as some of the heavier ones. I like the idea of using sandbags as a trial, very good idea. 
Dale

[Pacman]

Our little C-16s are sensitive to weight distribution. 

Too much weight in the stern causes the "dreaded stern squat" that kills our sailing performance.

I believe that is largely responsible for the C-16's (mostly undeserved) reputation for poor windward pointing and lack of boat speed on all points of sail.

A balanced boat is a faster boat.

When I sail solo I sail with a tiller extension from a Laser so I can move forward to balance the boat.  That weight shift alone can make a noticeable increase in boatspeed.

So, I think batteries should be stored next to the mast where their weight will have less effect on sailing performance.  Also, your feet will stay dry if your cockpit drains are not submerged by excessive stern weight.

[Bob23]

"A balanced boat is a faster boat". True that. In light wind on my 1985 23/2, I use a tiller extension and I sit on the leeward side, thus inducing heel. I can almost feel her accelerate as I shift my weight forward. Sure, the 23 outweighs the 16 by 2000 pounds but they also are sensitive to for and aft weight trim. For me, keeping my 5 gallon water jug as far forward as possible helps as well.
Bob23

[Potcake boy]

You know Bob, I find that having a bikini clad young lady on the foredeck certainly increases my speed. I don't understand!!