moving batteries forward

As always Roger's posts are right on. Even though the current 22 is my 4th C Dory, and my second 22, I used the boat "as is" for several years, before making improvements of any substantial nature. This included over 2 months on the water and living on the boat. As Roger says, things which seem like a good idea at first--may change with the test of time….

Such as moving batteries. Each of us have our own solutions--you took out the 22 gallon water tank--weight full is somewhere near 170 lbs--more than the weight of the battery.

Our solution is to move "ballast" We also carry a spare 5 gallon water can--another 40 lbs to move around. Then ice chests--can well be over 100 lbs, outboards, dinghies--personal gear--all great ballast. It makes little difference to me if the boat is not precisely level (and I do have an inclinometer on the dash).
 
thataway":3410oklw said:
As always Roger's posts are right on. Even though the current 22 is my 4th C Dory, and my second 22, I used the boat "as is" for several years, before making improvements of any substantial nature. This included over 2 months on the water and living on the boat. As Roger says, things which seem like a good idea at first--may change with the test of time….
Click to expand...

I do hear you both on that. And I have "saved" many things for doing when I have lived on the boat longer than 5 weeks. (Camper back, chartplotter, radar, hydraulic steering, autopilot, new water tank... the list goes on.)


thataway":3410oklw said:
-you took out the 22 gallon water tank--weight full is somewhere near 170 lbs--more than the weight of the battery.
Click to expand...

Slight correction though: My stock tank was about 17.5 gallons, and it's removed only because it sprung a leak. But I now carry three 6-gallon jugs in the same locker, for 18 gallons, so it's the same weight. With those chock full, I still list pretty good to starboard. With my 270 lb. co-pilot (friend who was with me on Powell), full tanks, and the port locker that may get the batteries full of tools and gear (i.e. similar weight to the proposed batteries), I still only listed very very slightly to port, and it was easily correctable with the trim tabs. Two Group 31 "plumpies" (125 aH) would be around 140# (plus a bit more for cables etc.) So it seems that it might be a good option, weight-wise. I cannot add a second house battery to the lazarette regardless, for space reasons (not to mention weight).

I don't mind a slight list, and I agree with you that some moveable "trimming" ballast is always a good idea; but my boat lists more than slightly to starboard, I can't trim it away, and I would like to improve that. If I can do it while also doing something else I want (larger house bank plus charging capability), then I'm going to consider it (what I'm doing now).

From past boats I know that just about no matter how long I wait to do things, or how much I think or plan, there will be "Oh, should have done it THAT way" or "I don't even USE this, wish I had not bothered" moments as I use the boat more. So to me it's about finding the balance between just doing nothing (i.e. going to Powell this year, with all the same issues I made notes on last year), vs. doing too much (why I am leaving dozens of things "for later").

I don't mind when people question though, as I do the same thing. I mean, if someone posted that they were going to put in a 50-gallon water tank, but only used the boat evenings after work for sitting at the dock and having cocktails, I might question if they really wanted to go that route. And that sort of re-evaluating assumptions can be very useful. There are so many experienced hands here :thup

Sunbeam
 
One last comment: For many years I have said do your dreams now, do not put it off for "next year" or "tomorrow" because you never now what is gong
to happen tomorrow, no matter what your situation is today. I have practiced this in my own life. I was able to do voyages and adventures, I could have never done later in life. I was all packed to leave for Lake Superior 10 days ago. Serious medical issues have arisen and the Lake Superior trip is canceled. Hopefully Powell will still happen, but that is questionable. Live life for today!
 
I am so sorry to hear your Superior trip had to be cancelled. That's my home turf and it's a wonderful place, especially at this time of year.

And, I couldn't agree more with your philosophy. In earlier days I "gave up" certain opportunities and paths (career-/property-wise) to live my dreams of long-distance cruising, and I'm not sorry. Those adventures were "priceless" and I grabbed the chance. Some folks would say I'm still living for today more than I "should" but... to each their own method :thup

Right now what I want to be doing is fun little projects on my 22 in a pretty place with nice weather :D That's a bit of a luxury for me as for many years I was either on someone else's boat; out cruising with no chance to do things (not that I'm complaining on that one!); in the perfect place to do boat work but with no boat :cry, or etc. Now I get to do what I want with my sweet 22 Cruiser (within reason), and I am thankful for each day I am healthy and happy enough to do so.

I'm glad you've had so many amazing trips and adventures in the past, and hope there are many more in your future.

Sunbeam
 
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