CG for a 18.5 Holiday

[grzzzz]

During my restoration of my 66 Holiday, I suspect I have changed the CG a bit..hmmmm maybe a lot. It seemed to ride a bit butt heavy this year. I added a 4 gal live well under the transom on one side, a 2 battery start and accessory set-up on the other and a 9.9 rude 4 stroke kicker (almost 100lbs) on back rack. A 9' mahogany rod board with 2 electric Big Jon riggers. I knew I was heading for trouble but I was/am set on having ALL I want on this boat. Figured I'd just put it in and move it around in the first remodel. Writing of butt heavy, (trying to keep appropriate), I tested the theory on my last trip to the lake. A asked a "large lady" to accompany me...... First AND second mate! I had her stand up through the hatch in the bow (it was tight) ...... plained out much better!!!

I know where the CG is now, if I could find out where it is suppose to be I can calculate how much wt I have to move forward during this winters tinkering. I put in a below deck gas tank, far forward to try to compensate. 18 gal, but that is like depending on the full cooler up front. As the day goes on, liquids in the cooler are metabolized and expelled over board, fuel is consumed and tranformed into HP thus the CG again moves aft.

Anyone ever try to balance a Holiday on one skid? Have a factory spec?

Grzzzz

 

[grzzzz]

Re: CG for a 18.5 Holiday

Left out it is a 120 mercruser I/O. Starcraft Holiday

Grzzzz

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: CG for a 18.5 Holiday

Grzzzz - For starters you could move the batteries up front. That will offset the kicker. Any pics?

 

[grzzzz]

Re: CG for a 18.5 Holiday

Yea, that will be the first move. But, my fuel fill is up front now and I have the filler hose and vent hose coming through the front top deck. Don't have any leaks nor anticipate any but that will certainly be a possible ignition source if I did have any. Have a vent hole up there. Would be able to add a blower there... but I don't think those are X-rated either.... that seems odd.

I would love to post pics ... I have tried many times with no success. Seems a Nuclear Safety Engineer could figure a simple pic posting out! I have some great pics and it turned out really nice. Have to get my son to show me how someday.

Thanks for getting back,
Grzzzz

 

[ezmobee]

Re: CG for a 18.5 Holiday

Create a photobucket.com account for your pics. Much easier than trying to use the forum software to upload them.

I wouldn't be losing sleep locating my batteries near fuel under your closed bow. If it really bothered me, put 'em in battery boxes.

 

[grzzzz]

Re: CG for a 18.5 Holiday

I have been told about the bucket..... I think by you. I have mastered the minnow bucket, fish bucket, bucket seats, mop bucket, bucket of chicken and the occasional bucket of beer! This photo bucket is just one more. I just need to get someone over and show me. They first have to show me how to down load the pics off my camera!!!

I have pretty much decided to start with the battery transfer to the front. I suppose if I have a gas leak in the boat it is not going to matter what confined space/poor ventilated space ends up having an ignition source. I am most likely going for a swim.

Thanks
Grzzzz