Simple solutions for solo sailing

[puddlejockey]

I'd like to take my H27 out solo, on the Large inland lake where she's moored, and need some advice on equipping and techniques:

I'm (re) learning sailing , and the lake is quite crowded on the weekends, but finding weekday crew members is a challenge.

Facts: The headsail is on a roller furling in good shape, and the boat is equipped with the inboard yanmar 1GM and wheel steering.

Question: when left to it's own devices even momentarily, the boat likes to pick a direction to turn while motoring, and if left alone undersail she likes to turn into the wind pretty quick.

What's an ECONOMICAL solution to keep her headed into the wind while hoisting the mail, and keep her on a point of sail while adjusting the sheets? What have you folks used; and what did you like/ not like about that setup?
I can't justify an autopilot...

Thoughts?

 

[tomgrigsby]

There should be a friction wheel on your pedestal, right hand side. If so, you can snug it down enought to give you time to run forward to raise the main etc. When raising sails, raise the main first to help keep her pointed into the wind, then roll out the jib from the cockpit. When under sail, you should be able to set the trim so the helm is fairly balanced. Ease the main to keep her from heading up. If you need time to do something, might want to heave-to.

 

[Amos Cape]

We have used the brake on the wheel and if you don't have one you could install one. I have used a line strapped to the wheel too. But not as good as the brake.

 

[centerline]

there are a lot of things that can be done to make it easier to single hand, and its really hard to explain them here... there are many books on the subject that could help you, or walk the docks and talk to folks about single handing and what they do and you can see how they have their boat set up..... maybe you can crew with someone for and afternoon sail and see how it all works together....
getting your control lines run back so they can be worked from the vicinity of the helm is the biggest asset for a single hander.....

prop walk is a fact of life when it come to propellers.... their are methods that can minimize the effects of it by trimming the rudder, or you may have a bad lower rudder bushing and letting it come out of alignment with the prop....

the boat will normally round up into the wind if left to its own devices under sail, but if it becomes extreme or is difficult to handle at times, a good rig tuning to adjust and balance it may be in order by someone who knows.....

 

[caguy]

Just a philosophical note: Why is it so difficullt to get a boat out of irons but so difficult to hold it into the wind when dropping the sails?

I think you have justified the cost of an autopilot. I do a lot of solo sailing (it's either body odor or personality not sure which) and find it much more enjoyable. There are all kind of thngs you can do whlie on autopilot. It makes going to the head easier for a couple of reasons, preparing and eating meals, doing maintenance on long trips, making emergency repairs, fishing and hanky panky. Now there's one reason if you need to justify it to your wife.

 

[Stu Jackson]

I can't justify an autopilot...

But that IS the answer.

That and learning about midships spring lines for docking.

Please believe me, we've all been there, done that.

Wheel brakes don't work as well for raising sails.

Single Handing 101 http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5445.0.html

Good luck.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Just a philosophical note: Why is it so difficullt to get a boat out of irons but so difficult to hold it into the wind when dropping the sails?

Because you're motoring.

 

[puddlejockey]

Thanks for all the quick responses!
She doesn't currently have a wheel break, but it sounds like that might be a solution, at least until I can consider an AP system.
In our sailing conditions, though, I'm just not sure an autopilot is justified...since there's no " Random drunk Nascar team member in a 40' Formula cutting accross your bow" setting; I'd be too concerned to go below when soling regardless of the piloting system.

I'm also curious now about running the lines further aft to allow for Mainsheet and Halyard control from the cockpit, as well as a lazyjack system and maybe a downhaul on the main. I confess that interest is largely driven by...well...my weird fascination with lines and pulleys. Too many CS Forrester novels...

 

[Sailm8]

I had a cal 27 that I ran the lines back to the cockpit. You need a plate under the mast or around it for the turning blocks, deck organizer, rope clutches or cleats, and a winch. Not a cheap deal. You will also need backing plates etc. An autopilot doesn't look too bad after you price everything out.

 

[Barnacle Bill]

It might be a more costly solution, but if you are sailing alone and in a congested area you should think about safety first. So the autopilot is the best solution. Can you not hoist the main at the dock and then motor out (of course the wind has to be in a favorable direction).

 

[gpdno]

I singlehand all the time. Easiest for me is to sail out on my headsail. With the furler, you can set it from your cockpit then heave to. At that point, the boat moves very little and the headsail blankets the main so it's quite easy to walk up and raise the main. When my ready to come in, I just reverse the process. Heave to, go up top and drop/secure the main, start the motor and then furl the headsail