Moving two batteries from port to stbd to correct heel

cruiseoncraig

Member
Joined
Jul 30, 2015
Messages
12
Fluid Motion Model
C-28
Non-Fluid Motion Model
Cutwater 28
Vessel Name
Cruise On
MMSI Number
367495180
We've been fighting port heel for two years on our C28. We put eveything we can on the starboard side to help counter the weight of the batteries but have not been successful achieving neutral trim without the tabs. It's maddening to have to use 100% of trim on one side just to get the boat level, it leaves you nothing for bow down trim.
One day a rather large friend (280 lbs) was aboard and I asked him to stand on the stbd lazzerette. With me at the helm the boat came pretty close to level. So I theorized that moving two 70 lb batteries from port to starboard would accomplish the same thing.
Last week I made the move and the trim is now perfect...imho.
BTW: I also combined the thruster/windlass battery with the house bank. I see no downside to this but I will report back if a dragon rears its head.
 
I joined the thruster battery to the house bank a few years ago. I put a switch between them so I can Isolate them from one another if I want to, but usually leave it in the on position. So far, no issues.
 
The battery move was one of the first adjustments we had to make. Hopefully, those with the solar power option come that way from the factory now. Now to turn the swim platform into something more akin to a hull extension to remove drag, spray, and corrosion points, and perhaps figure out what trim tab adjustments/extensions are possible to bring the bow down! Enjoy your new found level boater home!
 
I have 26 Cutwater. The trim is not has bad 100% port and back off on starboard until the boat rides level . It does ride stern heavy with a lot of spray from the swim platform at (planing speeds). I would like to move two batteries to starboard. Were you able to use the existing cables for house batteries remove them from the port and relocate to starboard side . I will leave thruster and cranking batteries on port but tie the thruster to house batteries with a switch . I am adding a 2000w inverter to use while under way hoping that the three battery bank will be sufficient. I'm also contemplating moving the bulkhead in the cuddy area aft 20" and installing a thirty gallon fuel tank next to the water tank . We use this area for storage not sleeping . This will shift some weight forward and increase my cruise range . We plan on doing the loop . The tank will be a transfer tank filled by main tank and emptied to main tank utilizing a common vent . It will also be a fuel polishing system with a racor filter inline between the two tanks I don't have a generator so I have a pickup and return available in my main tank . I'm posting this part ( fuel tank ) because I'm not sure it will work . Looking for feedback. I need to add fuel capacity.
Brian Brown
26 Cutwater
PORT-A-GEE
 
We did have to make up new cables (about $100) but used the same tray and straps.

We have a 2000 watt inverter and used it once. 10 minutes of microwave time drew our (2 at the time) house batteries down 10%. It wasn't worth it. We just use the cooktop or bbq to heat things up now dutch oven style. Not as quick but no impact on battery conservation. Our tiny little bottle of LP lasts over a year and we live aboard at least 10 weeks per year plus odd weekend excursions.

We do use one of those little cigarette lighter adapter inverters for charging the phones etc. It seems to work fine and converts the juice more efficiently. Watch your battery amp monitor when you turn on a 2000 watt inverter without even having anything plugged in. Yikes! Our onboard freezer uses less juice.
 
Back
Top