I'm considering the purchase of an H240 but wonder if its the right choice in a location like mine that typically experiences 15+ knots of breeze on a regular basis. Would I be doing too much reefing? I've read elsewhere about removing battens from the main to combat this -- would I have to get my mainsail cut specially for this? Any insight would be appreciated.
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Reef Reef Reef
You'll be ok. Too many sailor don't know reefing is easy and don't do it eoungh! If your wind is over 15 most of the time, you should think about a Cape Dory or something like that, build for those conditions!
You'll be ok. Too many sailor don't know reefing is easy and don't do it eoungh! If your wind is over 15 most of the time, you should think about a Cape Dory or something like that, build for those conditions!
Is there anywhere I can find info?
Jim, I often see people saying 'reefing is easy' -- but having never dealt with it before, I'm wondering if you know of a web-site or such that would show how to do it properly. I've read the archives, but it's descriptive w/out pictures and I'd really like to find a how-to with pictures. Any ideas? Dave
Jim, I often see people saying 'reefing is easy' -- but having never dealt with it before, I'm wondering if you know of a web-site or such that would show how to do it properly. I've read the archives, but it's descriptive w/out pictures and I'd really like to find a how-to with pictures. Any ideas? Dave
15 knots =reefed on a 240
At 15 knots you're going to need a reef in the main on a 240. The water ballast in my boat seems to take a lot longer to "grab" than a similarly fixed ballasted boat. We heel quickly in gusts and then the ballast seems to go to work as the water in the tank shifts from one side to another.
At 15 knots you're going to need a reef in the main on a 240. The water ballast in my boat seems to take a lot longer to "grab" than a similarly fixed ballasted boat. We heel quickly in gusts and then the ballast seems to go to work as the water in the tank shifts from one side to another.
Specifically for the 240 & 260
Here's a link to the 240 manual page describing the reefing get-up on that boat. Reefing is not hard to do on a 240, and you will need to do it often. Once reefed, it is very stable and easy to sail. If I have a reef in at the end of the day I leave it that way when I flake the main and put the cover on. Ready-to-go reefed for next time.
Here's a link to the 240 manual page describing the reefing get-up on that boat. Reefing is not hard to do on a 240, and you will need to do it often. Once reefed, it is very stable and easy to sail. If I have a reef in at the end of the day I leave it that way when I flake the main and put the cover on. Ready-to-go reefed for next time.
15+ knots
If your home waters have a 15+ knot breeze most of the time, I'd recommend something other than the 240 or 260. Both boats can sail in that kind of wind, but they're not really in their element. I'd look for a more traditional "heavy" boat. I agree with those who point out that reefing is not hard, but it is better to have a boat that's made for those winds in the first place. Ron Mehringer H26 Hydro-Therapy
If your home waters have a 15+ knot breeze most of the time, I'd recommend something other than the 240 or 260. Both boats can sail in that kind of wind, but they're not really in their element. I'd look for a more traditional "heavy" boat. I agree with those who point out that reefing is not hard, but it is better to have a boat that's made for those winds in the first place. Ron Mehringer H26 Hydro-Therapy
Don't remove the battens!
I think the 240 is still sold with a full batten main. If the winds are going to above 15 knots that day tie in the reef before you raise the sail. I think the fully battened main with a reef in it makes a fine sail in 15 to 20 knots. The next step I'd take if it is heeling more than 15 degrees is to reduce the jib. The 240 sails just fine with a reefed main and no jib at all. After 20 to 25 knots even the reefed main is a lot for the boat and it is time to go in. I'm still looking for a way to make my boat sail well in the 25 to 35 knot winds that occur here at the coast at times.
I think the 240 is still sold with a full batten main. If the winds are going to above 15 knots that day tie in the reef before you raise the sail. I think the fully battened main with a reef in it makes a fine sail in 15 to 20 knots. The next step I'd take if it is heeling more than 15 degrees is to reduce the jib. The 240 sails just fine with a reefed main and no jib at all. After 20 to 25 knots even the reefed main is a lot for the boat and it is time to go in. I'm still looking for a way to make my boat sail well in the 25 to 35 knot winds that occur here at the coast at times.
25 to 35 knots
Frank, unfortunately you'll be hard pressed to find a way to make the 240 (or 260) sail well in 25-35 knots. These boats have lots of freeboard and that's going to have a big effect on how they sail in that kind of wind. Back in the 80's I really wanted (but couldn't afford) a Freedom 21. They had an add showing a reefed 21 sailing in 40mph winds (see attached pic). That boat, with its minimal freeboard and heavy winged keel was better suited to high winds than our more roomy and comfortable wb boats. Remember wind force increases with the square of the velocity. Double the speed equal four times the force. Four times the speed equals 16 times the force. Ron Mehringer H26 Hydro-Therapy
Frank, unfortunately you'll be hard pressed to find a way to make the 240 (or 260) sail well in 25-35 knots. These boats have lots of freeboard and that's going to have a big effect on how they sail in that kind of wind. Back in the 80's I really wanted (but couldn't afford) a Freedom 21. They had an add showing a reefed 21 sailing in 40mph winds (see attached pic). That boat, with its minimal freeboard and heavy winged keel was better suited to high winds than our more roomy and comfortable wb boats. Remember wind force increases with the square of the velocity. Double the speed equal four times the force. Four times the speed equals 16 times the force. Ron Mehringer H26 Hydro-Therapy
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Strongly agree with Ron, but a 270...
...would also fit the bill if you like the basic boat. Of course it was exciting burrying the rail at 25 kts. alan
...would also fit the bill if you like the basic boat. Of course it was exciting burrying the rail at 25 kts. alan
I tend to agree with Ron too
I think you are right the freeboard is the answer too the problem. I think you could reef down a 216 an it would sail better than a 240 in high winds because of the reduced freeboard. All that freeboard sure makes for a super comfortable boat, but it also makes forward progress on a reach very hard in high winds. If I have enough sail up to overcome the Wind forces on the hull I usually have enough to cause too much healing. Downwind is another story. the 240 seems to surf just fine until you get so much wind you spin out! What fun...come on wind!
I think you are right the freeboard is the answer too the problem. I think you could reef down a 216 an it would sail better than a 240 in high winds because of the reduced freeboard. All that freeboard sure makes for a super comfortable boat, but it also makes forward progress on a reach very hard in high winds. If I have enough sail up to overcome the Wind forces on the hull I usually have enough to cause too much healing. Downwind is another story. the 240 seems to surf just fine until you get so much wind you spin out! What fun...come on wind!
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