Batteries where SHOULD they go

As most of you are aware I am the new owner of Jolly Dolphin SLM #3 and sailing out of Tilghman Island on the Eastern Shore of MD.

Problem: The two rather large batteries on my FC are currently placed on a couple slats of wood in the aft of the cockpit lazaret. They appear to be golf cart batteries and are not secured and just have a piece of plywood on top. So obviously I have to do some minor work to get them in acid boxes and secure them. But With the fuel tank all the way aft as well as the water tank aft and below the engine, this puts a lot of weight aft and gives the boat a bow up attitude with about 5-6 inches off her lines. This may be due to the fact the FC is a cruiser and it is assumed that there will be a lot of storage forward to counter the weight.

My question is: should I explore (even if I eventually have to purchase new batteries that will fit) moving the batteries forward and low in the "bilge’ compartment(s). Or simply secure them where they are and balance her lines with with a couple hundred pounds of lead forward? I am torn, I love having batteries “high and dry” but would also like to have the extra room in the lazaret and the added weight low and on center line. What have you found that works best?

As a side note I am absentee owner(she an East coast girl me on the Bering Sea Alaska) So unfortunately I will only be sailing (live aboard) her 2 months at a shot twice a year for the next couple years and I will not be running a lot electronics, nor use much electricity at mooring, occasional cabin light and small stereo/sound system. Will eventually have solar and or wind generator but that is another issue and post for later:-)

Peace and fair winds,
Joel

Joel,
I would move them forward. Maybe downsize even, depending on you power budget. I had no engine on Angelsea and did quit well with kerosene lamps, a sextant and a compass for 16 years. Oh I did have a small solar panel and battery to run a small stereo system. Gotta have tunes!

Now I am spending a ton of time maintaining an engine and related accessories. Don’t get to go sailing as much.

As I remember the FC is stern heavy anyway.

What are you running for ground tackle?

Cheers,
Gary