Weight Question

[GT23]

I'm new to the site but have been lurking around for a little bit now and have found some helpful info for myself and a few buddies. But, I have a question that I could use yall's help on. I have a 1636 Rhyan Craft flat bottom jon boat with a '68 20Hp Johnson and was wondering where I should put a 6 gallon gas tank and a deep cycle battery. I don't want the boat to sit too low in the water in the back end. So, if I put a 20Hp outboard, 6 gallons of gas, and a deep cycle battery in the rear would it be too much weight in the back?

I appreciate any advice ahead of time.

 

[jdlough]

Re: Weight Question

This is gonna sound dumb, but the only way to know is to try it and see. And try it while planing, or at least moving your usual speed, before you make any permanent install decisions.

A large part of the equation is how large are YOU? And will there usually be another rider near the bow?

Of course, some of this could be offset by trimming the motor in a notch.

If you do end up needing to install the battery and tank in the bow, make sure you strap them down real good, so they don't bounce around during porpoising.

Also, if you're going to leave the boat at the dock, and use an auto bilge pump, it's not a bad idea to have the pump at the stern, with the stern setting a bit low to collect the rainwater.

That's my not-too-useful advice,
Jim