2510 XL trim tabs, batteries and bilge pumps etc.

[kemo sabe]

Hello all - I am considering a 2510 XL that has the stock tabs (lenco) and batteries located in the bilge. Would greatly appreciate ideas and experience on a couple things -

- have read about the benefit of changing to larger tabs, particularly to help running bow up in a head sea. It looks like the stock 12" tabs retract into a small recess. If I refit with larger tabs, too big for the recess in the hull, do you need to move them away from the original recess area or are they OK just covering it when retracted ? Is electric refit easier or is hydraulic best ?

- batteries are currently located in the bilge. They are a few inches above a recess for the stern bilge pump but still pretty far below deck. I am thinking that putting them in battery boxes will help but I would eventually like to relocate above deck.
Anyone do this ? Pros, Cons ?

- boat has a stern bilge pump and may not have others, does anyone know if mid ship or forward bilge pumps were stock in the 2006-2008 vintage ? Assuming not, has anyone added a forward bilge pump and how did that go ? As I use a mooring, I assume bilge water will collect forward when at rest.

- boat has a porta potty - anyone refit with a manual head or is this too difficult once a boat is built ?

Thanks for any help and ideas. Have not owned a Parker before but I think I am about to join the club.

sarge

 

[Ludicrous40]

I'm fairly new to my parker (2003 2520XL), but can comment on a few points:

Aft bilge is very dry, and this seems to be common. For that reason, I'm not worried about the batteries. I do have a factory forward bilge, hatch just forward of the helm inside the forward cabin. This bilge tends to have water in it, and I'm confident (from other posts) that this is coming from my anchor locker/windlass on the bow. One of my offseason projects this year will be to stop water from coming in up there.....then I expect a dry bilge..

Tabs are also on my radar. I'm looking to improve performance overall as my plans are for long term ownership.

Best of luck! I couldn't be happier even though I'm working through the typical surprises that come from a "new to me" boat.

 

[warthog5]

If I refit with larger tabs, too big for the recess in the hull, do you need to move them away from the original recess area

Yes and the hull area needs to be filled in.

 

[kemo sabe]

If I refit with larger tabs, too big for the recess in the hull, do you need to move them away from the original recess area

Yes and the hull area needs to be filled in.

Hi - Thanks, that seems a lot easier than trying to make the recess larger to accommodate wider tabs.

Appreciate the help !

sarge

 

[kemo sabe]

I'm fairly new to my parker (2003 2520XL), but can comment on a few points:

Aft bilge is very dry, and this seems to be common. For that reason, I'm not worried about the batteries. I do have a factory forward bilge, hatch just forward of the helm inside the forward cabin. This bilge tends to have water in it, and I'm confident (from other posts) that this is coming from my anchor locker/windlass on the bow. One of my offseason projects this year will be to stop water from coming in up there.....then I expect a dry bilge..

Tabs are also on my radar. I'm looking to improve performance overall as my plans are for long term ownership.

Best of luck! I couldn't be happier even though I'm working through the typical surprises that come from a "new to me" boat.

Hi - thanks for your help. Maybe if there is a hatch forward, I can use it to access the area and add a forward bilge pump and use it to reduce the overall amount of bilge water. Since I will be using a mooring, I know that water will collect forward first and some always seems to find a way in through one path or another. Not sure either about routing for a hose and wiring - will have to see what room is available. I am hoping to hear from someone who may have added a forward bilge pump ?

thanks again !
sarge