Recently bought and RL24 mk1 and plan on moving the battery which is currently in the engine well. I figured under the cockpit would be the best place for it although with a battery box it is too large to fit.
Wondering what setup other people are using and is it suitable for both racing and cruising?
Max
I would suggest directly in front of the centerboard. Any time you get much weight in the cockpit, the boat tends to squat. Putting weight in front of the ceneterboard tends to counteract that.
I currently have an 86lbs thrust trolling motor for my outboard. (which works wonderfully BTY) This means I have 3 50lbs batteries in front of the centerboard. Two for the motor and one for the systems/autopilot. This means I have almost no weight in the rear, as the trolling motor doesn't weigh much. Putting 3 or 4 people in the cockpit is comfortable, and the rear of the boat just skims the water - meaning I'm not scooping water with the outboard opening. Single handing lifts the rear some, but not badly.
Agree with the above, i have tried it with the battery in a case and used that case as a step in and out of the cabin but its noticable in the way it sits with the weight at that point. ....
I've also set it up under the vee-birth and found its a far better location for weight distribution although this requires more electrial wiring frome the control panel.
My main use of the power is for the winch opperated swing keel and so a closer battery was a better choice aswell
