26S Weight distribution

[Dan D]

I've seen a number of comments and cautionary warnings when the subject of modifying or adding water systems or battery placement has been discussed. Sounds like there might be a preferred or maybe a right and wrong way to do it when it comes to weight affecting the boat's performance and safety. I have 2 batteries under the galley and load up 2 coolers under the Vberth. I have a 4 stroke (110#)and a staring battery in the lazerette. I also carry about 4 gallons of fresh water that I slide forward in the Vberth. I'd like to replace the 4 gallon jug with a 13 gallon fresh water system this Spring and had considered mounting it under the Vberth. But, with the comments I've seen, I'm starting to wonder if that will create a problem. Any help out there on weight/balance issues?

 

[Robspan]

My 2 cents

I think weight in the bow kills your speed when you're sailing, and to a lesser extent motoring, into any sort of waves or chop. The more the bow can go over a wave rather than through it, the less the boat will slow down. However, as with everything else in boating, you have to weigh that against other considerations, such as how much you're actually in rough weather and how much the extra weight will add to your enjoyment of the boat. Those are questions only you can answer and there's probably no one answer for everyone.The stern is broader and can rise up better so weight back there probably isn't as detrimental. I doubt the batteries under the galley have much effect, since they're in the middle of the boat. I keep a 5 gallon can of water and a large spare anchor in the bow, but if I'm going into a chop, I move them aft.BTW, that's a great picture.

 

[beamreach]

weight distribution

I've got a '93 26S. Since sailing it I've always had at least 10 gals. of water stored under the v-berth. One battery under the sink, 8 hp 4 stroke Tohatsu on the back with battery in the laz and 6 gals. gas in the cockpit towards the rear under the tiller. Ice chest is behind the ladder. I'm currently installing a plastimo 13 gal. collapsable water tank under the V tied in at 4 corners as far back as I can get it with water fill thru deck run along head wall through a 90 degree elbow into v berth compartment. I have had numerous leaks from other rigid containers. Perhaps this will solve my problem. As far as sailing with the previous 10 gals. there, the boat goes to windward like a banshee. I don't think you can go wrong with your 10 t0 13 gals. of water there. If you also load that area with an ice chest and move more weight forward, there may be some problem. Couldn't comment on that since all I have is the water just front of the head area and the anchor up top on the bow rail.Previous boats include a Cape Dory 25 and a Pearson Wanderer, both full keel and great sailors into the wind. I was shocked the first time I sailed my Mac into the wind to see how well she tracked and held her head up, all 10 gals. water in the bow. If slip fees around here were anything like they used to be, I'd still have my Wanderer but in one years time that little Mac saved me $3,600 sitting on her trailer and we can carry her anywhere. That's been said aplenty but you have to experience it to really apprecite it.

 

[jbwbcat30]

Tried weight everywhere

I race my boat alot and have experimented with weight in all sorts of places.Found that weight in the rear is like an anchor. Tryed batteries in the back VERY SLOW, moved them to the center , much faster. While racing last moved one person from the stern to the bow slowly gained 1 full knot!!!!!! Put various heavy things in the laz and forgot about them slowed me down (generator ect) I suggest any weight go to the vee, Check it out for yourself. BTW weight experiment done on beam reach. Hope this helps.J Beck