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That's a good point Phil, I think my options are limited. It's not a full splashwell, so I'd considered building a "platform" over the splashwell and the width of the interior with an inner "lip" on it so that any water that came in, would just flow back out again when the boat went up the next swell. Might be optimistic thinking though... Any idea approximately what the cables would weigh if I moved the batteries up?

I've never just pulled the splashwell plug Kamie, as I leave the drain between the splashwell and fishwell (where the bilge pump is located) open so they both fill. But when I do that, the water fills the fishwell to just below the floor level, which I understand is about 4" higher than on a less waterlogged hull. I do like the idea of the solar trickle charger too, thanks for that.