weight distribution question re: batteries

[reirey007sr]

I have a stock 2003 sundancer 260 without a generator.
In the engine compartment, port side are 2 stock grp 27 batteries and 6 gal hot water heater
Starboard is 28 gal waste tank.
all other fuel and water tanks are centered in the boat.
*
given that weight of the waste tank will vary based on usage,
I am wondering if/when this boat is balanced port-to-starboard given it's stock/from factory configuration,
*** when empty waste tank? or when waste tank is full ??

 

[Stee6043]

I have a stock 2003 sundancer 260 without a generator.
In the engine compartment, port side are 2 stock grp 27 batteries and 6 gal hot water heater
Starboard is 28 gal waste tank.
all other fuel and water tanks are centered in the boat.
*
given that weight of the waste tank will vary based on usage,
I am wondering if/when this boat is balanced port-to-starboard given it's stock/from factory configuration,
*** when empty waste tank? or when waste tank is full ??

Balance will also depend on all the other stuff on the boat (people, coolers, etc). You may find it difficult to keep her list-free, which is not entirely uncommon.

 

[Lazy Daze]

I have a stock 2003 sundancer 260 without a generator.
In the engine compartment, port side are 2 stock grp 27 batteries and 6 gal hot water heater
Starboard is 28 gal waste tank.
all other fuel and water tanks are centered in the boat.
*
given that weight of the waste tank will vary based on usage,
I am wondering if/when this boat is balanced port-to-starboard given it's stock/from factory configuration,
*** when empty waste tank? or when waste tank is full ??

In theory, yes - and maybe a tiny, tiny bit in reality. But it's inconsequential. It won't mean anything at all once you're on plane - zero issues there. MAYBE you'll notice it when the boat is sitting still in the slip.

As mentioned above - there's many other factors that come into play.

I had the same boat - never noticed anything to worry about.

 

[reirey007sr]

I need to replace batteries and am considering new location placement;
As-is, the 2 stock grp 27's weigh 104 Lbs. on port side.
Considering replacing with 1 AGM grp 27 portside at 68 LBs,
and 1 lithi at 85 Lbs on starboard side, (not sure of it's grp, think it's 31 - it's a big guy) <= this is location change.
I typically run w/ waste tank low-half full, and I'd be carrying a spare anchor at about 35 Lbs. portside just behind AGM battery to help off-set.
All this puts me about 50-80 Lbs heavier on starboard than the stock as-is battery placement today.
I'm wondering if I'd really even notice...

(thanks for responding)

 

[Yendor]

I don't expect that you would find the effort, time and expense worth the effort; that is, unless listing at anchor is giving you a heartburn. As LD pointed out, it's inconsequential, especially after you're on plane.

When we got ours, that list (at rest) was driving me crazy UNTIL the admiral pointed out to me that it never bothered me until after I was in the water and looking at it from eye level and comparing the boot stripes side to side. Then it occurred to me that most folks wouldn't jump in the water and swim all the way around the boat to make the same comparison. At that point I decided this would be a case where I wouldn't fix it till it was broke.

** On a different note, be aware that your Charger needs to allow for different charging profiles if you make such a switch and end up with different battery compositions on different banks. That could be a shot in the foot you weren't looking for, if you were unaware of this.

 

[skibum]

I have 2 group 31s starboard along with the 28 gal holding tank. Port has 28gal water tank and 6 gal HWH. When water tank (and HWH) are full to the top and the waste tank is completely empty, I can see a slight list to port when she's at the dock. Most casual observers probably wouldn't be able to tell, but I can since I see it on a regular basis. It's only about 1/4" or so.

My seat is starboard, so as soon as I board she's level again. Maybe SR designed it like that? If the tanks are all ~50/50 and I get off, she sits level.

 

[aerobat77]

I'm wondering if I'd really even notice...

(thanks for responding)

I had a 2006 240sundancer and a crate of beer sideways was enough to change her list visibly when sitting at the pier . So yes you will notice .

i tried to balance for a zero list with me on the helm ( so a list to port with nobody aboard )

 

[reirey007sr]

I don't expect that you would find the effort, time and expense worth the effort; that is, unless listing at anchor is giving you a heartburn. As LD pointed out, it's inconsequential, especially after you're on plane.

When we got ours, that list (at rest) was driving me crazy UNTIL the admiral pointed out to me that it never bothered me until after I was in the water and looking at it from eye level and comparing the boot stripes side to side. Then it occurred to me that most folks wouldn't jump in the water and swim all the way around the boat to make the same comparison. At that point I decided this would be a case where I wouldn't fix it till it was broke.

** On a different note, be aware that your Charger needs to allow for different charging profiles if you make such a switch and end up with different battery compositions on different banks. That could be a shot in the foot you weren't looking for, if you were unaware of this.

re: different note, charging differences of differing battery types:
yep - I am aware of this, and have a certified marine electrician helping me with the wiring aspects by-the-book.

re: list... not enough to worry about. and I can always tell the dog to stay/sit portside for additional ballast.

 

[Lazy Daze]

I need to replace batteries and am considering new location placement;
As-is, the 2 stock grp 27's weigh 104 Lbs. on port side.
Considering replacing with 1 AGM grp 27 portside at 68 LBs,
and 1 lithi at 85 Lbs on starboard side, (not sure of it's grp, think it's 31 - it's a big guy) <= this is location change.
I typically run w/ waste tank low-half full, and I'd be carrying a spare anchor at about 35 Lbs. portside just behind AGM battery to help off-set.
All this puts me about 50-80 Lbs heavier on starboard than the stock as-is battery placement today.
I'm wondering if I'd really even notice...

(thanks for responding)

My same answer as above still applies. Negligible and not worth the effort and money to relocate (new battery wires aren't cheap).

And, again, I used to own the EXACT same boat.

You could use a group 24 for starting, the go with G27 or G31 DC.