Can 2 batteries cause boat to list

[lrlima]

I have a 23 ft cuddy boat with a 5.8 engine. Swimming behind the boat today and boat definitely lists to Starboard side. Nodody else in the boat and no heavy gear on board. I'm pretty certain gas tank is in middle of boat. Boat also lists while underway, especially when it's just me in it. I would say its about four inches lower than the port side if I had to guess.

I have both batteries in the back starboard side of the boat, but I would be surprised that two batteries could cause that. Conversely, this boat couldn't be waterlogged.....always been a covered trailer boat, has a fiberglass floor, and jumps out of the hole.

Eventually I'll take them out and see for sure, but it will be a while until I can do that. Any input is appreciated.

.

 

[CaptainKickback]

Re: Can 2 batteries cause boat to list

Of course every weight has some effect, but I can't imagine the batteries having a noticable effect.

Sea ya...

 

[jestor68]

Re: Can 2 batteries cause boat to list

Since a good sized lead acid battery can weigh upwards of 70-75 pounds, that would equate to having the "average" size person sitting on the right rear corner of your boat.

My battery and power trim pump are on the port side. When I sit at the helm(starboard side) it evens out the weight and the world is perfect again.

 

[partskenn]

Re: Can 2 batteries cause boat to list

My SeaRay 268 would list to starboard until I filled the fresh water tank. It held 20 gallons, or around 140 lbs. Then it would sit nice and level.

 

[Augoose]

Re: Can 2 batteries cause boat to list

My 20' BR lists slightly towards the side w/two batteries so I make the wife or kids sit opposite!

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Can 2 batteries cause boat to list

not a boat that size. but it's certainly easy enough to test; disconnect one and put it on the other side. Weigh them and put equal weight on the other side (I didn't think batteries weigh 70# but I don't know).

Is your bilge dry?

The fact that it runs with a list says to me something else is amiss.

 

[spoilsofwar]

Re: Can 2 batteries cause boat to list

(I didn't think batteries weigh 70# but I don't know).

Large deep-cycle batteries can easily weigh 70 pounds or more... The Diehard Platinum second battery I added weighs 53lbs, and that is the small, group 34 size. The group 31M size version weighs 75lbs. I installed my second battery on the opposite side of the boat as the first for this exact reason.

Anyway, I agree that a battery, even a big, heavy one, should not cause a list on a boat that size. But, as stated, pull the battery and put it on the other side to see what happens.

 

[lrlima]

Re: Can 2 batteries cause boat to list

thanks for the replies. To answer and comment on a few of the responses....

Yes the bilge is dry. I would estimate that the batteries weigh 40- 50 lbs each. Also, the boat has a fresh water tank on the opposite side (which is currently empty). I wonder if the engineers have it that way assuming it would balance out the weight if full.

I asked my wife approx 120lbs to stand on the opposite side swim platform and the boat evened out. Going to take one of the batteries out when I get time next week since its such a PITA. thanks again for the replies

 

[BoatDrinksQ5]

Re: Can 2 batteries cause boat to list

yeah i would think in designing a boat that they would account for a full or at least half full of all tanks... gas , water, livewell.

Otherwise if you put the boat into full service...and all tanks were full and on one side - danger in rough seas.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Can 2 batteries cause boat to list

fill the fresh water tank. problem solved.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Can 2 batteries cause boat to list

^+1, or keep the wife on the swim platform.

if your fresh water tank is 15 gallons, that is just shy of 120#

 

[lrlima]

Re: Can 2 batteries cause boat to list

^+1, or keep the wife on the swim platform.

if your fresh water tank is 15 gallons, that is just shy of 120#

Funny, i mentioned that to her. Didnt go over so well...

 

[CaptainKickback]

Re: Can 2 batteries cause boat to list

My SeaRay 268 would list to starboard until I filled the fresh water tank. It held 20 gallons, or around 140 lbs. Then it would sit nice and level.

Hey partskenn. I'm surprised to hear the 120 lbs made such a difference on a 27' boat. Had a Cruisers 2870 with 10' beam. It made no difference when several people changed sides. It was not a deep V, but I think yours is.

My current project boat is a 1981 Sea Ra SRV 255. Deep V. I'm planning layout now. Maybe I'd better wait on some things until I get her on the water.

Sea ya...

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Can 2 batteries cause boat to list

...

I asked my wife approx 120lbs to stand on the opposite side swim platform and the boat evened out...

And you obviously got your answer. It's the batteries.

If you don't plan to use the water tank, move the batteries to that side ands leave them there.

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Can 2 batteries cause boat to list

not a boat that size. but it's certainly easy enough to test; disconnect one and put it on the other side. Weigh them and put equal weight on the other side (I didn't think batteries weigh 70# but I don't know).

Is your bilge dry?

The fact that it runs with a list says to me something else is amiss.

Was thinking the same thing. It would take two people to install Batt.

Interstate Batteries.
Group 27M cranking batt.=54lbs

Optima Group 31
SC31DM =59.8lbs

Deep cycle/cranking group 27 =55lbs

 

[partskenn]

Re: Can 2 batteries cause boat to list

Hey partskenn. I'm surprised to hear the 120 lbs made such a difference on a 27' boat. Had a Cruisers 2870 with 10' beam. It made no difference when several people changed sides. It was not a deep V, but I think yours is.

My current project boat is a 1981 Sea Ra SRV 255. Deep V. I'm planning layout now. Maybe I'd better wait on some things until I get her on the water.

Sea ya...

The 268 was an 8.5 beam, water tank was up against the hull running lengthwise, so I guess all the weight was as far from the centerline as possible. But it was dependable, every year we would put it in the water, look at it from the stern, and my wife would say "better fill up the water tank", and it would visibly change.

 

[spoilsofwar]

Re: Can 2 batteries cause boat to list

Was thinking the same thing. It would take two people to install Batt.

Interstate Batteries.
Group 27M cranking batt.=54lbs

Optima Group 31
SC31DM =59.8lbs

Deep cycle/cranking group 27 =55lbs

Diehard Platinum group 31M
http://www.sears.com/diehard-platin...p-02850131000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

Item Weight (lbs.): 75

Odyssey 31M-PC2150 (basically same battery as above)
http://www.odysseybattery.com/marinespecs.html

Weight lbs (kilos) 77.8 (35.3)

I know these aren't the OP's batteries, but just showing that marine deep cycle batteries can weigh that much... The weight can be a sign that they don't suck, like Optima's do... But that's another discussion.

I'm surprised that such a small weight shift could affect such a large boat, but, I didn't really consider hull design, and being a deep V it seems plausible.