326 - what conditions will it take?

[Ed]

I am new to a Hunter 326 (this summer)- have been sailing it inside Fishers Island sound have gone around Fishers Island, sail Inside Long Island Sound. Now that I am familiar with the boat want to take it to Block Island and beyond on the outside. I have been hesitant to take it out on a day with moderately strong wind and seas. For example tommorow 20-25 knot winds seas to 6 feet. I understand the boat is rated for much more, but it seems very tender. I do reef early and that is not a problem - just want some input from owners of Hunters about this size as to the actual seaworthyness of their vessel. Am I overly worried about this boat? Would you sail it in 8-10 foot seas? 30-35 knot winds? I ask that as when I put out in 20-25 with 3 to 6 foot seas I like to plan for the worst case and think about 10 knots more wind and 2 or 3 foot more sea so that I am not caught with my pants down. I do follow the weather very closely - but things happen and this is not a cigar boat able to beat it back to port on a whim. I am already considering a larger or more rugged boat if this one is too limited in venturing outside the sound. Thanks for any input you might have. Ed

 

[Paul]

I'm out there all the time on my 336

I think that you're going to have a wet day, but put on your foulies, take some extra care to be safe, and have a good time. Don't expect a lot of company out there.I have sailed my 336 in 8-10s in Rhode Island Sound, but it's no fun if the wave period is short. The boat does OK, it's the occupants that take a beating. I have never sailed it in true gale conditions (35+) but the boat does OK in 25-30 conditions.Double reef the main before you leave the dock. The winds are predicted out of the southwest for the day you mention, So you'll be broad reaching and beam reaching if you head for Block Island. If the winds are lighter than predicted, roll the jib all the way out. If it's howling, you're prepared. Double-reefed, the autopilot can always stay in control if you get busy.2. Put out jacklines, and wear a harness. 6 footers aren't dangerous seas, but combined with 25 knot winds means that you should take extra care. Can anyone else on your boat steer a man overboard maneuver in force 6 conditions? No? Then clip on.I think the most dangerous waters around are in Fisher Island Sound! Too many rocks and thin water for me.

 

[Chris McLoughlin]

Ed, You say you . . .

are new to the 326, but don't say what previous experience you have.If you have experience in the type of conditions you describe in another boat, then you should do fine in the 326.A lot of a "boat being able to handle it" lies in preperation. Knowing your boat thoroughly, being familiar with how all the systems work, and how you maintain your boat. For instance, are all lines coiled and stowed in such a way that if you need one FAST you will have it snag free?If you don't have the experience, invite a more experienced sailor out for a sail the next time the weather kicks up. A lot of sailors I know would find that hard to pass up.Chriss/v Tidesong

 

[Eric]

Angle

We own a 2001 Hunter 290. What we find is in strong winds she will still heal even with litte to no sail. If you can handel the weather then she will take care of you. Due to the beam to water line length she is not sea kindly in heavy weather. We did a trip from Mystic, CT to Clinton, CT. 8 ft. Breaking over the stern. She did well but we were very wet and she rolled. Autopilot is not going to work to well in heavy weather.