www.iFourWinns.com

I just got back form the 4th of July weekend. A number of fellow boater were asking me why my boat list so much to port.. It has been a nagging issue since I have had the boat the past 5 years. I have searched various forums and it seems to be a common issue. When youconsider all the gear mounted on the port side it makes sense. 2 AGM batteries, Refrigerator, 20 gallon fresh water tank, A/C, water heater etc, I calculated about 453 pounds.. Ive been told with the height of the 258 and the narrow 8'-6" beam has a lot to do with it.

My question is what can be done? Other than asking the crew to move their bodies to the starboard side? seems a little like a design flaw... Any suggesstions/recommendations are greatly appreciated

Fill your waste tank up?

My 278 does the same thing.. I find myself staring at it often, but it doesn't bother me. I really notice it when I get pumped out. I have a generator on my starboard side so it helps.


For the most part the seating is on the starboard side so I would think it would be okay when people are on it. Maybe that was their thinking in the design?

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2006 Four Winns 278

So even with a generator you still list to the port side? I have been thinking about moving my batteries (& adding 1) to try and overcome the port list.

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2010 278 Vista
5.7 GXi DP

Past:
1999 225 Sundowner
5.7 GSi SX

I don't have a 278 but my 230 was listing on the starboard side. I moved the batteries to the port side and the problem is all fixed! Maybe relocating your batteries would help?

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2005 Horizon 230 5.7 GXI-F Duoprop

My 2009 278 did the same. I left the engine battery on the port side but moved the systems battery to the starboard side, plus I added another there. It did help, but still not perfect distribution. On my D4 diesel engined boat the starter is on the port side, I didn't want to move the engine battery to the starboard side. I tend to keep the water tank (on port side) below 1/4 full.

Thanks for everyones input. I am considering moving batteries to the starboard side which is completely clear of any equipment. I may add an additional house battery. I wll be sure to update this forum after I make the change. it may be a few weeks

Don't forget you may need to up-size the gauge of the battery cables if they are going to be significantly longer but carrying the same load. Blue Seas systems has a chart to figure out what gauge you need to use depending on the load in amps and the length of the run....
When I put in my dual battery system 10 years or so ago, I used 2 gauge for the short run on the starboard side and 1/0 for the longer run on the port side (positive cable is about 9' long, negative is about 3' long for a total run of 12' on that side). When calculating runs you also need to account for the length of the negative cable.

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88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II

My 2007 does not list.

Generator on Starboard side.
2 Batteries & hot water heater on Port side.
A/C on Port side.
6.2L Merc engine.
Camper enclosure stored under Port front bunk.
Tools, and stuff under Starboard front bunk.
Towels and life jackets in hanging closet on Starboard side (it is full).
Fridge full of cokes and beer on Port side.
Large cooler in cockpit area full of ice on Port side.
Rear Anchor stored in rear platform hatch on Starboard side (weights about 20 lbs).
Water full most of the time.
Fuel full most of the time.
Holding tank empty most of the time.
Boat is level when floating. Even when we sit on the swim platform.
Running with 2 people setting at the helm, boat runs level with trim full up and I never have to use the trim tabs. With trim all the way down, boat will list to Starboard due to engine torque.

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The Dance II
2007 278 Vista
6.2L Mercruiser