Repowered, now boat sits too low in the water

[matt1234]

I have a 1982 21 Grady White center console and recently repowered. Got rid of my 1982 175hp Johnson and got a 1994 Suzuki 200hp. When I picked it up from the dealer we both noted the boat was sitting low in the stern. I did not purchase the engine from the dealer. He recommeded putting some weight in the bow. What kind of weight would you recommend to put in the anchor locker in the bow?? I couldn't imagine that the difference in weight between the engines could be that much, 75-100lbs? Is there anything else I should worry about with the weight difference??

 

[Solittle]

Re: Repowered, now boat sits too low in the water

My 23' Wellcraft CC with 2 OMC V4 SeaDrives sits low at the stern too. I don't care what it looks like at rest but am more concerned on how it acts underway. I have trim tabs, trim on both motors and have Dolfin like foils on both engines so I can do pretty much what I want to to change the overall trim.<br /><br />I don't worry about mine and sure wouldn't add a bunch of weight to make it look better. Your boat - your call.

 

[rycher]

Re: Repowered, now boat sits too low in the water

The trick isn't to add weight, it is to move it around. Move a few things forward and see if that helps.

 

[evin300]

Re: Repowered, now boat sits too low in the water

Agree with Mega, work more with what you have.

 

[epresutti]

Re: Repowered, now boat sits too low in the water

Had similar problem with weight distribution. I moved batteries forward, was also able to move the tank (you might not want to or be able to).<br /><br />I found in order to get significant weight shifts I needed to move things in front of the fulcrum. In other words if you think of the hull as a lever there is a pivot point "somewhere", moving weight on the other side of this point is where I was able to be most effective.<br /><br />Hope this helps.<br /><br />Safe boating to all.<br /><br />Cheers.<br /><br />emp.

 

[Beernutz]

Re: Repowered, now boat sits too low in the water

Ice and a few big fish in the front boxes should do it!

 

[matt1234]

Re: Repowered, now boat sits too low in the water

Thanks for the advise. The problem is that I cannot reposition any of the above mentioned materials forward. It has been suggested that I use lead "shots" that hunters refill their shotguns in a sack. Has anyone ever heard of that? The boat handles fine when under way. I know I can fix the problem with big fish and a case of cold ones up front, not that I am promating alcohol on the boat, its for the passengers. thanks

 

[epresutti]

Re: Repowered, now boat sits too low in the water

I have also heard of using bags with sand. The bag should allow water to pass through in case the sand gets wet. The advantage to sand is it is cheap and easy to adjust the volume.<br /><br />My other $0.02.<br /><br />Safe boating to all.<br /><br />Cheers.<br /><br />emp.

 

[b.gagnon]

Re: Repowered, now boat sits too low in the water

I could be totally wrong but I can’t see how that motor can weigh that much more, unless it’s a 4-stroke. A Grady should be able to take a 200 with no problem. Is there water trapped in the boat?

 

[matt1234]

Re: Repowered, now boat sits too low in the water

B. gagnon,<br /><br />I agree with you. I looked up the dry weight of both engines on NADA. The Johnson was about 380lbs and the new Suzuki weighs about 470lbs. I do not see any water in the bilge. When I put about 125lbs on the bow the boat evens right out. I agree, I thought the Johnson was as heavy also.