Sandbags

GorillaToast · Jul 10, 2016

Fred said:
The PO told me that he was advised to install two sandbags under the forward berths of my 96 H26 to counteract the weight of the motor. Has anyone else done this?

Not for the motor's weight, but I put 3 in mine to offset the 4 GC batteries in the port quarter berth. She sits right on her lines now!

I intend to replace them soon with something more useful - a flexible water tank.

Joe · Jul 10, 2016

Adding or relocating ballast can help a boat's performance. Fore and aft trim is a consideration with any boat. Take a look at how your boat sits in the water by circling around it while anchored. If it looks like it is squatting a bit... adding some ballast under the vee berth may help trim it up..

Tsam · Jul 10, 2016

What about the weight of crew in cockpit? Could easily be over 300 lbs.

Ron20324 · Jul 10, 2016

If the motor itself makes that much difference, it must be an oversized whopper. Sandbags? A Bow Bunny would make more sense.

GorillaToast · Jul 10, 2016

Ron20324 said:
If the motor itself makes that much difference, it must be an oversized whopper. Sandbags? A Bow Bunny would make more sense.

Nah, ya need about 160# to balance the motor. Don't wanna see that Bow Bunny

woodster · Jul 10, 2016

GorillaToast said:
Nah, ya need about 160# to balance the motor. Don't wanna see that Bow Bunny

Gene S · Jul 10, 2016

Then again, I know this blonde amazon.......

Rick Macdonald · Jul 10, 2016

I've had my 1995 H23.5 since 2002. I noticed that it sat listing to starboard because the outboard, fuel tank, battery and portapottie are all on that side with nothing on the port side. The sink water bag is empry - I've never used it. I balanced it with an arrangement of bags of kitty litter totalling 150 lbs. I've never thought to consider the fore-aft balance. The bottom paint that came on the boat is level with the water but who's to say it's right!

Joe · Jul 10, 2016

Tsam said:
What about the weight of crew in cockpit? Could easily be over 300 lbs.

Yep... that can affect trim also... but crew are "movable" ballast. When sailing downwind in light air, moving some of the crew forward can help lift the rear of the boat to reduce drag.

Crazy Dave Condon · Jul 11, 2016

Joe and fred are correct but weight on the front would be the only concern but not when in the water

Crazy Dave Condon · Jul 11, 2016

I would not leave a lot of additional weight in the bow or the very rear if that area extends the bunk boards on the trailer. Maybe 150 pounds might be ok but the addl. if too much may cause the hull to dimple a little just past the bunk boards. Not sure but that is the first thing comes to mind. I could very well be wrong but who knows.