How to Balance and lay out a boat ...

[380voltz]

So what are your opinions on how best to balance and layout a boat?
if u cld choose where wld u place and distribute the weight ?
where wld u choose to place the fuel ? center or way back in the boat close to the OB.
wld u place the battery in a seperate compartment from the fuel on a small 15ft speedboat or is this BS ?

pre-thx for your input

 

[QC]

Re: How to Balance and lay out a boat ...

With a typical load (people, fuel, ice, beer, stuff) . . . I would balance her so she runs flat port to starboard at cruise speed. And I'd balance her fore to aft so that I could get her to just start to porpoise at full speed and full trim up. Then I'd trim down one click for top speed, and have the most flexible combination for a variety of other speeds and conditions . . .

 

[380voltz]

Re: How to Balance and lay out a boat ...

so is it wise to place the fuel tank and battery in the centre of the boat or way aft ?
what do u mean by purpoise pls ?

 

[QC]

Re: How to Balance and lay out a boat ...

It is wise to attach those things temporarily so you can adjust on the water if possible.

Porpoise is the rhythmic bouncing of the bow at high trim levels. It indicates too much weight aft, however, what you want is light enough in the bow so you can take advantage of trim, so the edge of porpoising is a good indicator of good balance for speed and efficiency.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: How to Balance and lay out a boat ...

well I guess leaving out the vowels saves a little weight....

 

[scanman]

Re: How to Balance and lay out a boat ...

Fuel & spark (battery) should be as far apart as possible, but on a 15' there's not much room for play. I'd probably put both aft & one port & the other starboard. That'd leave room for family & supplies forward. HOPEFULLY this will result in a well balanced craft, both fore & aft & port to starboard. Experimenting will result in knowledge, but take it slow 'till you get to know how it'll react in certain situations. You got any pics? how much beer & family we talkin bout? how high are the gunwhales? What type of boat? If you're catchin fish, you're addin to the total weight. Point is there are lots of variables like who sits where, but don't overload it & TRY to keep spark & fuel as far apart as possible. Happy Boating!

 

[5150abf]

Re: How to Balance and lay out a boat ...

As QC sadi, it si best to place them temperarily and see how it floats, you could do it without that but it would take some really good math.

The engine has to go on the back so you will need weight up front to counter that, I woudl try fuel in the center and battery up front as far as you can and see where that gets you.

If you get the battery in a battery box you should be fine.

 

[NSBCraig]

Re: How to Balance and lay out a boat ...

pics would help.

My tank is centered in the back (stock location) and the battery used to be right in front of it under the bench seat but is now off to port.

What kind of tank? Venting? Pics?