R21 Classic forward aft balance

[Margarita]

Kia Ora from Aotearoa New Zealand,

I’ve been getting a lot of positive feedback back on my little tug, what’s not to like? One piece of feedback that has come up several times is the observation that she seems to sit a little low in the bow. Yes, it does feel that way too. I’ve been advised to place some ballast aft. House and crank batteries are in the cabin so thinking an easy fix might be to move them into the aft locker. Our home port is Taieri Mouth with the associated bar having an ongoing deadly reputation. The advice I have received from the local commercial fishers is that the bow will lift and punch better into waves whist the bow won’t bury as deep in a following sea when crossing the bar. I would like to hear any advice or observations others have to offer…

 

[ohioan55]

Did you move the batteries forward to the cabin? My two batteries set right behind the engine. I also had two more in the aft. You plimsoll line wound indicate you are bow heavy. I agree with others have said and would move the batteries aft. Would make for a smoother ride.

 

[Margarita]

I’m the third owner, when I purchased her the batteries were in the cabin. The fuel tank takes up all the available space in the engine compartment along with a hand operated secondary bilge pump.