Full Or empty water tank

[newinlet]

I am taking a trip to Martha's vineyard from Marshfield Ma later this week for a 10 day vacation. We will be loaded with fuel (aft tanks 360 Gal.) and our 8 ft hard bottom tender with its 9.9 four stroke will be sitting in the cockpit.
To offset the weight should I fill my water tank which is Mid ship (165 Gal)
Buzzards bay and Vineyard sound can get lumpy at times and I am curious on how other people load there boats and does it make a difference in ride or handling my boat is a 1978 37C . Thanks Jim

 

[Boatsb]

I would fill it. I always have a full water tank so I have no shortage of water and it is low enough to be ballast. My 41C has the water tank in about the same place and I see no negative to running with the extra weight there.

 

[Jaxfishgyd]

Dang, My 87 yr old mom was born in Marshfield (1922) Dad was born in Duxbury.... (1919)

LUCKILY they moved to FLA in 1941 so I was born in Ft Lauderdale (1951)

But was forced to spend every summer "up there" till I was 16....

And if forced, will admit it's a neat place to visit.....

Getting back on subject.....

Any weight you can have to offset the stern down will make for much easier ride....

It's why your long range crusiers have the ability to move fuel from one side to the other or water from bow to stern to make their cruising more comfy.

 

[REBrueckner]

To avoid most lumps and bumps, travel early in the morning and use caution when sw wind is forecast over about 10 or 12 knots...opposing currents and even miodest winds makes things a bit topsy turvy.

 

[akintosyali]

just came back from a trip that included Buzzards bay, Marthas Vineyard, Provincetown and Gloucester. What a neat area! Good Luck!