Dont Laugh this is serious (leaning boat)

[cmyers_uk]

Regal 1900LSR 4.3GL Volvo Penta SX drive.<br /><br />Launched the boat at the weekend thought thats strange it feels like its leaning over to one side (starboard). Didnt think much more of it until wife said is something wrong with the boat its leaning to one side. I check the bilges for water (none) checked for any heavy items not much to check in a 19ft boat. Everything seemed fine. Recovered boat onto trailer looked at hull all is fine. Re-Launched and it is most definately lower in the water on one side only say 2 inches but noticable. What could cause this is there hidden compartments in the hull that could have filled with water? Boat is always ashore when not in use. Oh boat went fine at full speed , slow speed etc just feels different and now Ive noticed it is causing concern, I have visions of it sinking!<br /><br />Regards<br /><br />Chris (Puzzled)

 

[teamstromer]

Re: Dont Laugh this is serious (leaning boat)

chris, where is the fuel tank situated and is it full? may me it is the problem<br />teamstromer

 

[cmyers_uk]

Re: Dont Laugh this is serious (leaning boat)

Thanks Fuel tank was 3/4 full and is across the stern in the middle. It hasnt moved and looks level but I will recheck in case its shifted.<br /><br />Chris

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: Dont Laugh this is serious (leaning boat)

Where's your battery? Mine was leaning on one side. I moved my battery to the other side and now it's fine.

 

[tommy c]

Re: Dont Laugh this is serious (leaning boat)

Hi Chris,do you have a dual battery set up?that may cause it to lean a lttle.If you don't have any water in bilge i doubt it's leaking,water SHOULD show up in there if it is.Double check your gear and distribute evenly.<br />Tom

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Dont Laugh this is serious (leaning boat)

What you need is chocolate. Use your wife as ballast. You can grow her to a larger size if needed by feeding her consecutive boxes of chocolate. As long as you don’t tell her what you’re doing, she’ll go along with it.

 

[cmyers_uk]

Re: Dont Laugh this is serious (leaning boat)

Bingo, I think you have something. I had arrived at the slip to find the radio had drained the battery, wanting to get out in a hurry I went out and brought a new one. Perhaps the new one is heavier it happened on the same launch ( I will weigh them, the battery is right over on that side). It also does not get worse so hopefully is not leaking water.<br /><br />Thanks everyone for you help.<br /><br />Regards<br /><br />Chris

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: Dont Laugh this is serious (leaning boat)

Yup, on my 19 footer, I had dual batteries on one side and it listed to port. Moved one battery to starboard and she runs nice and even now. Funny what 50 pounds of lead will do!<br /><br />

You can grow her to a larger size if needed by feeding her consecutive boxes of chocolate.

This'll work too, but I'd try moving the battery first.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Dont Laugh this is serious (leaning boat)

Originally posted by Steve Huminski:<br /> Funny what 50 pounds of lead will do!<br /><br />

Thats why I went on a diet.

 

[richg99]

Re: Dont Laugh this is serious (leaning boat)

Just for a refrence:<br />battery #24 41 lbs<br />#27 53 lbs<br />#29 61 lbs<br /><br />I have no idea what that is in kilos.

 

[Elmer Fudge]

Re: Dont Laugh this is serious (leaning boat)

Gee! This reminds me of Suds and his boat

 

[fireship1]

Re: Dont Laugh this is serious (leaning boat)

Yea, What ever happened to him? I hope he got that mess fixed and is able to use his boat once again.

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Dont Laugh this is serious (leaning boat)

Originally posted by Chris Myers:<br /> I had arrived at the slip to find the radio had drained the battery, wanting to get out in a hurry I went out and brought a new one.

Does this mean your wife isn’t going to get the chocolate?

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: Dont Laugh this is serious (leaning boat)

..in kilos divide by 2.2

 

[cmyers_uk]

Re: Dont Laugh this is serious (leaning boat)

18rabbit, Clearly I shouted at the wife for letting me leave the radio on. Ive given her the chocolate but only so she weighs more and will balance the boat.<br /><br />Must say guys feel bloody stupid now, this was really worring me kept thinking hope she doesnt sink!

 

[Northern Eclipse]

Re: Dont Laugh this is serious (leaning boat)

Chris If you find that the boat still is listing to one side after you move your battery, it then could be possible your boat has gained weight and has water trapped between the floor and hull and has water logged the flotation foam, that foam can absorb a mass amount of water and get heavy, trust me I'v been there. If you suspect thats the issue or ask how does it get there, start looking at items on the boat that are screwed to the floor such as seats trim pumps battery tie downs etc, remove a screw and I'll bet there is not any sealer on those threads, if you have a boat that remains uncovered or has a source that will allow water to enter the cockpit it can wick its way past those fastners, lots of boats that have sunk and have been recoverd will suffer this condition also, I'm not suggesting that is your problem but don't discount the chance that it is, Hopefully its not wet.

 

[cmyers_uk]

Re: Dont Laugh this is serious (leaning boat)

Northern E,<br /><br />If that is the case how could I dry it out? The only good thing is that it doesnt seem to get worse or better even if I am on the water all day. <br /><br />There was one day when it rained bucket loads and it only had a temporary cover on and it slipped but the water I thought went into the bilge.<br /><br />I will try and put the old battery back if its still listing I may need more help!

 

[Northern Eclipse]

Re: Dont Laugh this is serious (leaning boat)

The only way to know if boat is holding water is to Drill a small hole in the floor I would start at the back 12 inches or so from the transom , and see if bit is wet, or any water bubbles surface from hole, Be sure not to drill into any fuel lines or wiring. You cannot dry out the foam, the floor would need to be cutout and the wet foam removed, this would also give you access to stringers or lower transom and allow you to determine if the core is wet also. If you drill small a hole and see evidence of water, then you can drill more holes a few inches away from the first in all north east south west directions, until you find something dry, this will help determine how much floor will need to be cut out. I sure hope its just your battery because fixing a wet boat is messy and all labour.