Marlin Stability

[Meanwhile]

I run offshore with a load of ice in a small tote and a kill bag or the fish box. For stability I've been using the stern fuel cell. My thinking was to maintain the fuel weight mid boat.

So what is the experience on stability, does it matter whether I'm burning off the stern fuel cell or using both fuel cells?

Randy

 

[Tuna Man]

I always prefer to run off the rear (aft) tank first, once it's almost empty we switch over to the forward tank. The reason I do this is I believe the boat handles better with the weight forward, not aft. I also see a slight but noticeable reduction in handling when the water tank is filled to he rim and the fish box is filled with ice/fish. Often we run in larger than ideal sea conditions and I've found that the more weight I can get forward on rough days the better (smoother) the ride. On the contrary, on those banner days when the seas are flat (rarely happens when I have the time to fish offshore) it probably wouldn't make much difference which tank we used first.

 

[Meanwhile]

Thanks for that input Scott. I usually also miss the best weather days and have to run in slop.

Randy