For my 28 Skater w/ 300XS's, I have two LiFeMgPO4 lithium ion batteries weighing 13.4# each. I am going to replace my blue-top Optimas at 38.4# each (plus billet battery boxes). That equates to a 50# reduction w/o boxes.
My question is would it be a better solution to move the new Li batteries to the front and add approx. 22# of battery cable weight or leave the batteries in the rear? The new battery boxes will be much lighter as well.
I am leaning to keeping my current battery location and use my sand bag ballast for really rough water like LOTO instead of moving the batteries.
Any opinions or comments are welcome.

I would probably leave them in the same location, check it out, and then move them if you need to. Out of curiosity, how much ballast do you put in and where do you place it?

Are you bringing your 28 up to the Shootout? It would be fun to have an outboard Skater fun run on Thursday.

Tango, I place 35# in ballistic nylon bags in each sponson in front of the forward bulkhead. They are movie tripod weights. They stay in-place real well and are double-bagged.
No, because of previous commitments, I will not have my 28 at LOTO this year. I will be at Ron's only on Saturday w/o a boat. Too bad for me!

It would be interesting to see how much noticeable difference the boat has with the 50lbs removed from the rear of the boat and if your 70lbs currently is the sponsons will be to much with the "new" CG....

Situations like you posed makes me think that there was a simplicity to balancing the ol' 24's with the race hatch with everything behind the 2 seats and under the hatch but the 4,6 and 8' makes for a lot more family friendly boat