www.iFourWinns.com

This topic has been covered before but I have only recently completed the work on our 2006 Vista 278. I bought the boat in 2009, the previous owner had ballast in the form of water containers on the starboard side to offset the batteries on the port side and keep the boat reasonably level while in its pen.
I have now moved the batteries to the starboard side which involved increasing the cable gauge. They are much more accessible for servicing.

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John
2006 Four Winns Vista 278 (sold)

Just out of curiosity, since my 258 has the same issue when at rest, were your batteries on the port side and you moved to starboard? Did the move effect driving? I was wondering since the passenger seats are on the starboard side, does it create too much weight while under way. Mine seems to ride fine. I think myself and any passengers offset the list.

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--2002 3880 Regal Flybridge | Twin Merc 8.1HO **Seven**
--2003 AB 13 VST Console Inflatable | Tohatsu 40hp TLDI **Phish'n ski**
--310 Mercury Inflatable | 1982 9.9 Johnson

Yes, I moved both batteries from port to starboard. Previously I carried ballast (2 x 20 liters of water) on the starboard side and that made a reasonable job of keeping the boat trimmed at rest and while under way.
I have used the boat once since the changes and noticed with four people seated on the centre line or to starboard of the centre line, I may have over corrected the problem. I have the option of putting one of the batteries back to the port side but I will top up the fresh water tank before making a decision.
I much prefer the prefer the appearance of the engine bay without the ballast! I inherited the water ballast situation from the previous owner. I recall taking it out as an experiment before moving the batteries. A panicked pen attendant came looking for me as he though the boat was in imminent danger of sinking.

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John
2006 Four Winns Vista 278 (sold)

Didn't the tabs level be boat out underway?

That's my question. Easy to correct any type of list underway by using the tabs. I constantly move mine based on number of passengers and where they're sitting. Just an opinion though!

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-Tony
2016 Robalo R200 w/Yahama 200!

Previous boats:
2003 Four Winns 248 Vista - sold
1994 Sunbird Corsair 200 - sold
1980 Checkmate Predictor - sold

On the trial after moving the batteries we were in a speed restricted canal area. Probably a bit slow for effective trim tab operation but next time I will get out in to the ocean......

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John
2006 Four Winns Vista 278 (sold)

I rather not use trim tabs for load balance other than to balance passengers. If you have to always have one side down farther for the normal weight distribution of the boat then you have that much less available to use when needed.
Let us know if moving one battery back is a compromise for both at rest and moving.

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--2002 3880 Regal Flybridge | Twin Merc 8.1HO **Seven**
--2003 AB 13 VST Console Inflatable | Tohatsu 40hp TLDI **Phish'n ski**
--310 Mercury Inflatable | 1982 9.9 Johnson

My boat has the same problem when at rest due to all the weight being located on the port side (fresh water tank, 2 batteries, & hot water tank, fridge, microwave, etc.). If i had the factory installed generator on the starboard side, the boat would probably sit level & true. I have been considering moving the existing 2 batteries to the starboard side as well as adding a 3rd (2nd house battery) to level the boat.

With the way my boat is currently setup, I have never experienced a problem while under way. Only used tabs a few times due to number of passengers.

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2010 278 Vista
5.7 GXi DP

Past:
1999 225 Sundowner
5.7 GSi SX

I also have no use for the trim tabs for weight distribution, except for when I have 8 passengers or more.

I noticed in your pic that you don't use battery boxes, for me, boxes are a must.
Safety first.....just an observation

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Funtastik
Gatineau, Qc. Canada
2000 298 Vista
http://village.photos/members/Funtastik/Funtastik

Good point but both batteries are sealed AGM. If battery boxes were fastened down, I'm not sure there's enough headroom to lift the batteries out. There certainly no room in the original factory configuration for battery boxes.

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John
2006 Four Winns Vista 278 (sold)

I understand that the batteries are sealed (for environmental reasons)
but the boxes also deter sparks, and we all know what sparks in a confined area can do when there is gasoline nearby.

In addition, its too bad that there is a height restriction for the batteries.
According to your pic, there seems to be plenty of room for boxes.
I've heard of low (height wise) batteries a few years back, I don't if they still exist or where to get them.

Sorry I'm not helping you much.

I am way off topic here, just an observation

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Funtastik
Gatineau, Qc. Canada
2000 298 Vista
http://village.photos/members/Funtastik/Funtastik

Four Winns do not normally use battery boxes; neither of my previous Sundowners had them; just shallow trays with a fabric strap that could almost secure the batteries in place. I added battery terminal covers and a robust hold down arrangement. My current 2009 diesel Vista was the same, shallow battery trays with a loose fabric strap almost but not quite holding the batteries in place, I have added covers to the terminals, the whole batteries/ battery switch set up will be modified this Winter as the OEM one is dodgy. It's not the only wiring issue with the boat unfortunately