We've been wondering about the capabilities of our new Hunter 25. It is the new design with the shallow draft 2" keel. Anybody know when we should head in? We've been out in 15-20kt gusts and been slightly uncomfortable with the degree of heel [although we probably could have had better sail trim and reefing]. Has anybody else found this boat to be particularly "tippy" or sensitive because of the horizontally long, but shallow, keel?
2006 25' Keel Query
- Thread starter TCA
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My 2 cents
My H26 is a water ballast centerboard boat. When the wind picks up – I reef. Reef early is a quote you will hear used in this forum often. Considering your H25 is a fixed keel, I would think you would have at least a slight advantage over the centerboard. So, before the heel gets uncomfortable, reef. I think you’ll find it handles quite well.
My H26 is a water ballast centerboard boat. When the wind picks up – I reef. Reef early is a quote you will hear used in this forum often. Considering your H25 is a fixed keel, I would think you would have at least a slight advantage over the centerboard. So, before the heel gets uncomfortable, reef. I think you’ll find it handles quite well.
reef the main and get comfortable with the heel
When the wind starts to really pick up, I just reef the main on my 2006 25. If it gets over 20kts I roll up the jib and sail with just a reefed main. You can hit hull speed with just the reefed main. The boat will heel a lot less that way. However, if you haven't tested the limit of the boat, do so. I found that with full sails up in high wind, the boat will get to a point of heel and then become rock solid. Whether that much heel is comfortable for you and your guests is the question. Also, if you push the limit too far the boat will just round up.
When the wind starts to really pick up, I just reef the main on my 2006 25. If it gets over 20kts I roll up the jib and sail with just a reefed main. You can hit hull speed with just the reefed main. The boat will heel a lot less that way. However, if you haven't tested the limit of the boat, do so. I found that with full sails up in high wind, the boat will get to a point of heel and then become rock solid. Whether that much heel is comfortable for you and your guests is the question. Also, if you push the limit too far the boat will just round up.
Thanks everyone for your responses! I figured Glenn Henderson [sp?] would not just design this boat this way without some serious faith in its capabilities. And I do recall that once we got hit with a heavy gust and she just automatically turned into the wind. I've had this boat at 6.2 knots in about 15 knots of consistent wind and it was wonderful, now i just need to learn more how she performs in gusts and prepare accordingly.
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