Adding Weight Close to the Stern on a 25'

[Mr. Chips]

I am going through a complete refit for a Hunter 25', and was considering the addition of one large or possibly 2 custom aluminum gas tanks to be configured between the stern and the rudder column, below deck. I was thinking a total of 30 gallon capacity. Has anyone added this much weight, that far a stern? I weigh in at 200# (if I skip breakfast). I have started to purchase a number of items for the refit, including Heart Interface 2000 inverter (45#), 2 Sea Volt Deep Cycle Batteries (226#), enlarged water tank . . . etc.How much weight can I add to a stock Hunter 25'? Suggestions on where I can add weighty additions would be appreciated. I am concerned about how the addition of weight will affect the stability and safety of the boat. Your advice would be appreciated. Thank you.

 

[David Foster]

Add weight low and in the center

for instance, under the bench seats in the cabin.200 pounds on the bow or stern will definitely increase pitching in waves.DavidLady Lillie'77 h27

 

[jcherubini]

Fuel cell location.

Consider adding the fuel tank undeer the forward edge of the cockpit, like where the inboard would go if you had an inboard. You could probably get a good 20-25 gallons here which should be fine for average use with a 7.5-10-HP outboard. Custom = $$$$-- but there are plenty of commercially-availble cells out there (see Defender Marine catalogue for examples, then price-shop).For gasoline I would VERY STRONGLY suggest that the fuel feed line come off the TOP of the tank (with a tube fitted inside the tank to the bottom) and that the filler neck come up THROUGH the cockpit sole with a weathertight sealed cap. Any opportunity for gasoline drips or vapours to fall into the bilge of the boat will be definitely exploited by Mr Murphy and Mother Nature.JC