Fore/Aft weight balance vs. sailing performance.

[leefrankpierce]

Back when trailer boating, empty ballast, dragging my son on a tube was a major part of our boating, I swapped the origional 50hp honda for an evenrude/johnson 120 with power tilt.
I now have the boat in a slip where I never let the ballast out, only use the engine to get in and out of the marina, so the boat is now 100% a sailboat vs the earlier powerboat usage.
There are plenty of discussions on which engines to use, but my question is specific to sailing performance.
Is having that big chunk of metal hanging off the back hurting my sailing performance, or does the boat just not care?
Thinking all aspects, handling, pointing, speed, stability, etc....
My engine approx 350lbs vs newer 30hp 4 stroke approx 160, so I guess about 200 lbs difference?

[NiceAft]

Just speculation on my part.

How does it look at the waterline. Bow down? Stern down? Nice and level? If not a vast difference from level, I would think there is not a balance problem. I don’t think a port/starboard variance would be caused by the motor.

Speed may be better with the lighter motor. Handling

Again, just speculation on my part.

[leefrankpierce]

Here is the only picture I have that might show how it sits.


I suppose I could add ballast to the nose and see what i think.
Recently I was into my front most compartment under the bed, will have to remove some foam.
Play sand?
Anone have better idea?

[NiceAft]

Is that photo with the 30HP?

If not, do nothing until the new motor is on the stern. If yes, then sandbags could work. Maybe a heavier anchor

[Russ]

My Suzuki DF70 specs at 341-348 lbs. And there are a LOT of Mac with that motor that BWY installed on them.

I don't think the weight is going to make much of an impact. Our boats sail like bleach bottles anyway. Sailing performance isn't a biggie.

Probably the biggest sail performance issue is the age/quality of your sails. My main is stretched out, and performance takes a hit. But it's a Mac and I"m happy to be floating on the water and moving.

[leefrankpierce]

Is that photo with the 30HP?

If not, do nothing until the new motor is on the stern. If yes, then sandbags could work. Maybe a heavier anchor

That is my current setup with the 120.

I had thought of bringing it home and adding a "keel" to the boat.
Something like a 3 inch rib down the center, or even a rib down each side so that at 15 degrees, it gives the water something to push against.
I envision using wood encapsulated in fiberglass, but would love it I could find something like a strip of lead so could add more weight at the same time.
Watching https://www.youtube.com/@SampsonBoatCo and https://www.youtube.com/@boatworkstoday has me envisioning improvements.
Have seen posts about adding skeggs for powered control, do not remember any for improving sailing.