1st summer with 146

[bripop]

1st summer with 146 was a success.:dance: Easy to sail and roomy for company. Got on edge a few times in gusts but easily controled never knocked down. Ready for more next spring. Fit nicely on a light weight personal watercraft boat lift. Winter sucks in Michigan :cry: go climate change . Brian

 

[ddeand]

It's fun, isn't it! I just spent my first summer sailing on an 18, and I had a blast! Same as you, I almost tipped her over a couple times (first time was scary - second time was controlled). I think the lakes here in the Twin Cities are already starting to freeze over. Like you, I'm looking forward to next Spring!

Dean

 

[alfine]

I, too, had 1st summer and was a little disapointed due to what i found to be a very strong weather helm which prevented me from maintaining a point in strong wind. Any others noting this? It is due to a rigging problem I have?

 

[esterhazyinoz]

Alfine, when you say strong winds do you mean gusts or constant? If constant, are you reducing your sail plan before you shove off? An overpowered boat will always have weather helm making it difficult to point.

 

[esterhazyinoz]

Some further thoughts on controlling your sail plan in high winds; I suspect that your H146 came with no mainsail shaping mechanisms as did my H15. Being very windy here in the summer, one of the first mods that I made was to add a clew outhaul to the end of the boom. This will allow you to flatten (depower) the bottom third of your mainsail. I also made up a cunningham downhaul for the luft of the main to flatten the leading edge. I also have a 6:1 boom vang. With all of these I can really flatten the main and therefore control the amount of power that outputs from what is really the engine of our style of boat. When it is really windy you might also have to reef the main so that you are flying less sail area. As our boats have no ballast (except of the human kind) these actions will go to you having a much easier and enjoyable outing the next time you sail in stronger winds.

PS. I just thought that although it may be your first summer with your H146 you could have been sailing for 40 years. Sorry if I have been suggesting what you knew all along.