Starcraft weight distribution question

[halas]

1969 18' Holiday with 1979 85 hp. Johnson.
I am laying out the boat in my head and was wondering if the 2 batteries and 3 X 6gal. gas tanks would put too much of weight on the back of the boat?

Johnson 300 lb. ; 2 batteries 100 lb.; 3 gas tanks 180 lb ( i think); kicker 70 lb. That is around 650 lb total.

The deck will be left open with only 2 pedestal seats.
Should I move the batteries up to the front? I am going to use it for fishing
and will add the 9.5 hp Johnson later for tolling after I see how the basic boat floats.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Starcraft weight distribution question

I'd recommend moving some of that forward. My boat is a 16' and I'm sure those 2 feet do make a BIG difference but still, my boat sits a little low in the stern and that's just with my 85, 1 battery, and possibly a small portable tank. I located my 12 gallon "portable" tank up under my bow.

This is how mine sits in the water:

 

[sschefer]

Re: Starcraft weight distribution question

I have an 18' Monark/Starcraft Legend with a below deck 20 gal gas tank and a 100hp mariner. From the factory it was setup for one battery forward of the consoles. I put two type 27's up front but I haven't had it in the water yet. My extra weight in the back comes in the form of a Hydraulic Jack Plate which is about equal in weight to the second battery.

That was the logic I used and I'm hoping it works but haven't had it in the water yet. I should be taking it out later this month and I can let you know how it worked out.

 

[lakeorbay]

Re: Starcraft weight distribution question

I wish I had enough experience to be of more help to you halas. I've thought about weight distribution myself, so I'm curious to see more replies on this topic.I would definitely move one of those batteries up front and a gas tank under the bow if it's closed type. Even if you don't run a fuel line from there, it's not a bad storage spot until needed.

 

[APPALOOSA2]

Re: Starcraft weight distribution question

I wouldn't think that weight would be a problem. I have a 18 hoilday i/o with more weight than that and 18 gl fuel tank is in rear and battery and seating.

Remember everything in the back gets the smoothest ride avalable in a boat. Thats where the boat pivots from. Anything moved upfront will get the worst ride "bounce" . If I was to move anything it would be at least 2 of the 3 batteries and I would make sure they are a gell battery and secured really well up front. My 2cents

 

[halas]

Re: Starcraft weight distribution question

I am worried about the bouncing also. The 2 batteries are not the gel type.
Lake erie is almost always rough.
Lakeorbay may be right in storing the extra gas up front, well tied. That would be the easiest way to star out. That's what I'll do to keep things simple while getting used to the boat.

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: Starcraft weight distribution question

Halas..

Nice lil SC there! Some guys are eye ballin those SC emblems for sure!

Cant help too much on the weight dist side...May wanna move the batts forward a few feet...I honestly dunno..

Glad to see another great SC coming back into the herd

 

[sschefer]

Re: Starcraft weight distribution question

The idea of gell cells would cure your problem with rough water but I think a couple of standard Marine grade, non-spill, deep cycle 27's would do the job just fine. I got mine at Interstate and they do not spill at all. I put them in battery boxes and strapped them down good. I wouldn't worry about that.

If you can put it in the water now, before you bolt everything down, you can play with moving things around and get a pretty good idea of where the weight should go.

 

[halas]

Re: Starcraft weight distribution question

Cheapboatkev, those emblems are in bad shape (cracked). Will have to replace them.
Sschefer, I bought the batteries in Sams, one is marine starting, the second one is marine deep cycle.
I will decide what I should do with the arrangement this week. (will post pictures) Thanks for the help.