www.iFourWinns.com

Gents,

If I were to attempt moving my batteries to the starboard side, what is involved? Can I simply move the batteries and extend the battery cables over, or will I need to move the charger, etc.?

I tend to think that adding 6'-8' of cable will not cause an issue, but I'm looking for some confirmation.

Craig C.

_________________

2003 Vista 248, VP 5.0 GXi-C, DP

I moved mine when I installed a generator, that's exactly what I did lenghtend the cables and shrink wrapped the splice.

Keep in mind you might throw off the balance and it may list to that side, unless you are putting something else in to compensate.

_________________
Jeff

'14 Cruisers 380 Express "Simon Sez"
Merc 8.2 Mag MPI 380
DTS B3X, (x2) Axius Premier


(SOLD)
'08 V318
Merc 350 Mag MPI 300
DTS Seacore, B3 (x2)

That's why I want to move them. I already list to port. Maybe I'll move one, back off and take a look. See if I can't balance her out a bit.

Craig C.

_________________

2003 Vista 248, VP 5.0 GXi-C, DP

I see, if you already list to port, I would move them, that will be close to 150#. That should help.

_________________
Jeff

'14 Cruisers 380 Express "Simon Sez"
Merc 8.2 Mag MPI 380
DTS B3X, (x2) Axius Premier


(SOLD)
'08 V318
Merc 350 Mag MPI 300
DTS Seacore, B3 (x2)

There is an efficiency loss the longer the run of wire. Would it be enough to worry, I doubt it.

I would move them and not worry, but that is just me.

Our boat lists to one side as well, depends on if water tank is full/empty and how boat is loaded. I give you this thought, you will spend a lot of time and money getting boat to sit level and then your going to climb aboard. Now she is listing to whichever side your on. The 248 is a narrow small cruiser, tall for its beam width. It will always be somewhat sensitive to weight distribution. You may start a project that will only end by getting a wider beam cruiser.
And/or load more beer to one side

Good Luck

_________________
2000 248 5.7L DP
'92, '94 SXI 750, '08 STX 15F, '12 Ultra LX 300
Videos

I agree with powellcrazy, Is this not one of the reasons we have trim tabs?

_________________
2001 328 Vista "Nauta Dream 2"
AB Inflatable 10AL "Little Dreamer"
2000 248 Vista
1997 225 Sundowner


Mike

Just make sure you use heavy enough gauge wire. Don't use just what's there now. You're adding length so you'll have to step down to a heavier gauge wire. If you use too small a gauge wire you raise the possibility of voltage dropping and wire overheating. I think there's a wire gauge calculator online somewhere. Make sure you measure accurately, as the wire will have to go up, over and around things to get from one point to another. You're probably best off replacing the wire completely, not just a splice from the existing location. That probably means going from the battery switch.

_________________
-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista

I understand. I'm not one of these perfectionists (well, I am but not on this issue) that must have the boat sitting level. I figured I would move the batteries mainly because:

1) I am installing a cube shaped bilge heater. The absolute *best* location is where the batteries currently sit. That locates the heater farthest from any fuel hose. And ... I believe the circulation of heat would be better blowing from the battery location since there are fewer things in the way on the port side as opposed to the starboard side (blower hoses, fresh water holding tank, etc).

The listing issue is something that I might be able to correct some by doing this exercise, but it is the secondary reason and I would not do it otherwise.

Thanks for the tips.

Craig C.

_________________

2003 Vista 248, VP 5.0 GXi-C, DP

I wouldn't go through this effort just to put the heater somewhere special. The compartment is not large enough to really make much difference where you put it. I'm sure there are better (and worse) places but, honestly, I can't see them making much difference.

In a low position is good. But, of course, not flat in the bilge itself because of possible water accumulation. Which you should take efforts to avoid letting happen anyway (by covering it well and leaving the plug out).

You certainly want it in a position to let the air flow move clearly. As in, not pointed directly at a surface. Given that the engine compartment is very a closed space just about anywhere is going to be fine.

There's some folks that like to put foam into the vents to help keep the heat inside. Works better in very cold situations. But in the case of slight fuel smells I don't know if that's recommended or not.

Frankly if you've got enough fumes to worry about then having the heater being a few feet away is an absolute waste of time and effort. The fumes are going to disperse pretty thoroughly. Your risk of combustion is unlikely to be any 'less worse' by being on the other side of the compartment. The heaters are designed to operate without risk of generating a spark. That and I don't think the heating elements even GET hot enough to cause fuel to combust. That's sort of their whole point.

As for worrying about wire efficiency, if you're going to do something that affects ALL THE DC USE ON THE BOAT then it only seems prudent to be smart about it. If you moved them you'd have to make new wire and the cost to go with the right gauge is not going to save you much. Penny-wise, pound-foolish as the saying goes. I got some massive 1 gauge wire, cheap, from skycraftsurplus.com and am very pleased with the results.

_________________
-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista

GenuineDealZ is a good source for custom battery cables.

http://shop.genuinedealz.com/Inverter%20Cables/

_________________
Martin
04 268 Vista - Knot Again
08 Boston Whaler 130 Sport - Double Good
Previous Boat:
97 278 Vista - Buoy Howdy