ballast distribution

[jaxbroker]

I have a 1977 Wellcraft Skipjack 24' flybridge. It originally came with a single i/o but the previous owner switched it to twin 175 outboards on a bracket. I think that removing the engine weight from below decks and adding it 2 feet behind the stern has changed the center of gravity and made the boat less stable. Who would I ask about adding ballast to improve stablility? I have added about 350lbs of landscape pea gravel (in bags) below decks to try to replace the lost weight of the engine but don't know how to maximize the performance without a lot of trial and error. Any suggestions?

 

[Bondo]

Re: ballast distribution

Mount as Big a Tank, as far Forward as you can,+ Pump it with Water, till the boat handles Well.....

 

[jaxbroker]

Re: ballast distribution

Didn't think of that. Good idea.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: ballast distribution

Weight isnt the answer, surely you have cockpit adjustable tabs on a boat that size, If not, then you need them badly. What exactly are the handling problems you are having.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: ballast distribution

Has the boat actually behaved in a manner that is unstable, or are you assuming it would be unstable? As Lube said, weight is not the answer, unless you really want to go slower and waste fuel. Trim tabs are the answer...Good luck.

 

[Solittle]

Re: ballast distribution

I would not assume that tabs are the answer since their function is to get the bow down and that may not be the case here.<br /><br />Don't forget to consider the weight of fuel in the tank.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: ballast distribution

Originally posted by SoLittle:<br /> I would not assume that tabs are the answer since their function is to get the bow down and that may not be the case here.<br /><br />Don't forget to consider the weight of fuel in the tank.

I would say that if it used to have an I/O, and it now has dual outboards hanging off the back, Its NOT Bow heavy. :eek<br />-------------------------<br />

 

[BillP]

Re: ballast distribution

A Wellcraft Skipjack flybride is high sided with a deep vee hull. I suppose it rolls even easier now. Like you said, the cg likely changed when the inboard was removed. Adding outboards moved the center of lateral plane aft too. Adding or changing ballast around is about the only thing I can't think of that will remedy the problem. This is the main reason (performance wise)you don't see flybrides on 24' boats, especially deep vees.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: ballast distribution

I would be surprised if it does not have trim tabs already. There is no quest that the axis point of this boat has changed, but I would not be too quick to add weight. We do not know at this point what "stability" issues are causing Jaxbroker to ask for help. <br /><br />What is the boat doing that you do not like? Does it has trim tabs? <br /><br />Adding weight would be my last choice as this will increase the fuel consumption.