Ballast to counter Batteries.

[Sailor Doug]

I add two golf cart batteries for a total of 4 and a starting. Now I have a slight port list and just a little steer down.
I am now considering add a couple sand bags under the starboard couch. Retiring batteries is not easy and where they are makes maintenance great.
Has any body done this before? Or have some thoughts.


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[Sailmonkey]

I split ours up, 2gc2 starboard, 2 gc2 port, start batt to port. The golf carts a wires as one bank, and this way keeps the boat level-ish.


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[SteveInMD]

Don't add sand bags. Enjoy being faster on port tack!

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by SteveInMD

Don't add sand bags.

Add more batteries!

[bsurvey]

if you really have t do this, I would suggest a vetus bladder filled with water or get the fuel type and extend your diesels cruising range

[TrentePieds]

Why do anything at all? How bad is your list? Coupla degrees makes no discernible diff in a cruiser. I have a 3º list to port when alongside, also due to off-centre battery position and no built-in compensation. I stow more stuff on Stbd just for form's sake, but it has no impact on performance.

Once you are under canvass, neither you nor the boat will give a hoot.

TrentePieds

[hamburking]

Originally Posted by SteveInMD

Don't add sand bags. Enjoy being faster on port tack!

Use bottled water, spare anchor chain, or emergency supplies. I doubt you will find a need for sand anytime, but there are many other useful things to have aboard.

[Sailor Doug]

I have more storage than needed and where I wanted to put ballast is hard to get to. Hence if I put batteries there maintenance would be harder and would not have to run 12'+ of new cable. This would also create a slight volt imbalance between pairs of batteries.


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[RaymondR]

Put in a reserve beer supply rather than sand bags?