Listing to Port

T

tcr_pnw

New member
So, it has been fairly consistent that I need to overly compensate the trim to keep her level while on a plane. I always accounted this to the fact that there were usually 2-3 others on the boat seated in the port dinette. Couple that with the water tank on that side and it made sense. That was until this past weekend. I slipped the boat overnight to get out early for some lings and for the first time saw her sitting in the water from the stern. She's listing quite noticeably to port.

photo-11_zpsf9d686ee.jpg

Water tank is maybe half full and fuel was pretty even at the time. Maybe 3/4 on one and 2/3 the other. I'm pretty sure the starboard was the more full tank. Not much gear on board, just some tackle and poles. No cooler or anything heavy.

Ideas? What kind of unleveled weight could cause this level of listing? 100lbs? More?

Any input as to how to address would be appreciated. It's a 2006 Cape Cruiser Venture 23, hull #19. I have a feeling there maybe water somewhere...

I have not gotten to adding inspection ports yet and I am aware of some of the deck hardware (cleats, bowrail, ect.) are not sealed properly. Can see the stains in the cabin/berth from the water running down the inside mostly after heavy rain. These are all projects to get at. Deck hardware is over the next two weekends, inspection ports and removal of any water under the cockpit next. But that water should settle toward the middle when moored and not cause listing correct?

Anything you guys can throw out there would be great!

Troy
 
are those motors slightly left of center on their mounts or is that just an optical illusion? They both look mounted a little more to the port side to me. they are about 250lbs each I think.?
 
The boat doesn't appear to be real low on her lines, just listing to port. How does she look fore to aft? Have you confirmed - by measurement, inspection or experience - that your fuel gauges are accurate? Sure looks like it could be more fuel in the port tank.

I agree, it's probably just a perspective thing, but the engines almost look mounted a little to port. Here's one thing to try: just turn the wheel all the way to starboard while she's moored like that, and see what it does to the list. Whether or not the engines are actually mounted to port (I really doubt they are), it does look like they were turned a little that way when the picture was taken.

Good luck!
 
I would drain the water tank and see if it still lists to port. Our water tank seems to make a considerable difference if the fuel tanks have nearly the same fuel level.
 
I would agree that its the water tank. That tank should be in the bow or on center line. I know that there is not enough room for it but it would be better. Where are your batteries? maybe if you have one on each side you could move one to starboard to off set the full water tank?

Now that that is out of the way, how was the fishing?
 
I thought the same thing as Bill and Dustin, but figured it might just be an optical illusion with the camera angle...Otherwise, it didn't really seem to be listing that much. I guess one would have to take a realistic look and accurate weighing of everything in the boat. Everything adds up. Colby
 
I will pull the tape out for an accurate measurement but think it is an optical illusion due to the motors being slightly turned. They seem evenly spaced using a piece of rope to compare the distance from the edge of the transom but get the tape out to be sure.

I have a fresh water washdown so will empty the tank, even out the fuel and pull anything out and see how she sits next time I get her wet. I'll try sliding the batts to starboard too to compensate. Right now they are one to each side.

Thanks for all the input and will update after the water test!

Oh and fishing was decent considering. Just had a couple hours to fish off the south of Hat Island. No time for live flounder but still managed to boat a keeper that fed four with leftovers on the fish and chips!

Thanks again,

Troy
 
I didn't see if you said 'how much' water was on there... but water is about 8.3 lbs / gal IIRC, and a marine battery is 60-80lbs? so 10 gallons of water would be the equiv, or more, than a full battery. that battery move may help quite a bit.

Nice job on the ling! that's a fish I've yet to figure out.
 
Ok the door is swung out to the port side.... a flat bottom boat like any of the C Dory line are very sensitive to weight distribution. I would not worry about it. You can move the batteries. Where is the refer if one is present? Is it full now? The single driver offset the water tank, even when full (8 x 20= 160). If necessary move batteries. We do dynamic moving when loading the boat for a trip--usually one ice chest, a storage box (barbecue, tools, etc), plus we carry a freezer and extra battery. All of these can be moved to account for crew aboard. When running use the trim tabs and don't worry about it.

I know of some popular brand boats which were lofted incorrectly so the bilge is 6" more slack on one side than the other--and thus all boats have a port list by accidental design.
 
TROY-

You said:

"So, it has been fairly consistent that I need to overly compensate the trim to keep her level while on a plane."

This could be because the twin 60's are not counter-rotating, and both turn clockwise (right-handed),
and both want to twist the boat the opposite way, and therefore turn to port, and to lift the starboard side of the hull.

(That is, if I don't have something backwards somewhere in my reasoning!)

Joe. :teeth :thup
 
TROY-

The port side of these boats would generally seem heavier than the starboard side because:

1. The dinette is heavier than the galley. (More material.)
2. The water tank is not usually balanced by much of anything on the starboard side, unless there is a heavy refrigerator installed, or a lot of cooking gear and supplies under the galley.
3. The cabin door swings off center to port when open.
4. All passengers have to sit to port.
5. In your case, the motors are turned so that their center of gravity is to port.
6. And, in your case, the lack of counter-rotation brings on the situation I described in the previous post when under way.

I'd guess it would take 200 lbs to stand in the starboard side of the cabin to balance your boat as shown in the photo, but so what?

Most of these boats have to be re-balanced as they are loaded differently from time to time.

Joe. :teeth :thup
 
This is what trim tabs are for an smaller boats. I have a 9.9 kicker and two batteries on the starboard side so the boat lists at the dock. It sits level on the trailer though :smiled
 
I do not believe they are counter rotating...the prop have the same pitch direction. That is an interesting theory.

If based off her current load balance, that small difference is causing the list, I have no problems with it. Always try to shift the load and balance with the tabs. Just wanting to make sure there isn't a hidden problem waiting to rear it's ugly head.

Already have one come a bite me! I took possession in late March. The previous owner had the engines hot wired to the batteries which I didn't think to check. Well, the trim/tilt switch on the cowling of the port engine got water in it and corroded causing contact in the "down" position and stuck there. Since the engine was hot, it tried to lower but the brace was flipped down. Ended up frying the relay, trim/tilt motor and the continual low voltage draw ruined the battery. All this while it was stored while I was out of town.

Switch, relay, motor, battery and troubleshoot/install....$1000!!! All because it wasn't run through the battery switch...
 
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