Boat lists to starboard side

[Animal223]

Hello everyone,

I have a 1991 Regal Valanti 220XL boat. I've noticed that when sitting at rest in the water (no passengers) it lists to the starboard side by about 2" (i.e., the port side is 2" high and the stbd side is 2" low). As far as I can tell, it's always done this since I bought it 4 years ago (you could tell by the water line compared to the bottom paint.

I have always trailered the boat until this year, now it's in a slip at a marina. It doesn't seem to be getting worse, but it is noticeable. There isn't much water in the bilge, and the pump hardly ever needs to go on (just after rain, as I'm currently working on getting a new cover made).

Is this indicative of a problem, and is there anything I should check?

Thanks for any help and suggestions.

Jared

 

[jaxnjil]

Re: Boat lists to starboard side

jared; i have had two boats now that had a list. the first had the fule tank in the rear port corner and would change as the fule load burned off. not much i could do.
the second had a 20 gal fresh water tank that when filled would balance and even things up. the only problem with that was we didnt need or use the tank and didnt want to haul the extra weight. after making sure i didnt have soaked flotation foam causing the problem. i moved the 2 batterys to the center line ahead of the motor. there was a roomy spot there.
this balanced every thing fine. we now have a list to port when we use the water tank. we only use once or twice a year camping and its empty all the rest of the time


if every thing else i ok moving batterys is a good way to balance. if you have room to move them. thay are heavy so you get quick results with not much effort

 

[Animal223]

Re: Boat lists to starboard side

Thanks for your reply. From what I can tell, my fuel tank is right on the centerline under the floor, and I have no fresh water tank. Unfortunately moving the battery isn't an option, as there is little space to do so. It takes about two adults on the port side to balance her out, so I don't think off-setting the battery will do the trick.

How can you tell if floatation foam is soaked? I'm not even sure exactly where there is any... please pardon my ignorance.

 

[jaxnjil]

Re: Boat lists to starboard side

to check your foam; look for a inclosed box or conpartments. they should be sealed and glassed in. they will contain your floatation and should be on both sides and down into the bilge.

start by finding the one on the port side as thats your low side.
drill a small hole as close to the bottom or lowest point on the compartmen.MAKE SURE YOU DONT DRILL THRUE THE HULL.
if water logged water will drain out. you might ahve to drill several hole to sound all the different compartment angles that can hold water.

when done if you find water you'll have to remove foam and dry everything out .

if no water glass or plug holes withs ss screws and 3m 5200 or 4200