77-H25 Capsize Screen/Round Up - will she?

[Janel Chrestenson]

I'm doing some racing on San Francisco Bay. Definitely not for the meek and mild. She's a 1977 H-25 stock boat. I'm not sure exactly what the 1.95 Capsize Screen really means and I'm not sure if I get knocked over or if I lay her down that she'll pop back up. Anyone have any experience or input in this regard? Love to have your thoughts.S/V Ms. Toad's Wild RideSan Francisco Bay, CAe mail mstodwldrd@aol.com

 

[Art Barnes]

Capsize Screen

The capsize screen is a rough calculation when you don't know the range of positive stability. Usually, the cut off is 2, with below 2 is morestable and above the number 2 beingless stable. Your number is indicating a very stable craft. Capsize screen is calculated by dividing the beam by thecube root of displacement in cubic feet(64.2 pounds/cubic foot). You can do the calculation youself with your beam number and displacement; look at factory specifications; don't guess. The positive stability indicates the maximum angle of heal, measured in degrees, that the boat will remain upright rather than capsise and/or otherwise roll over. Your boat would be hard to lay down to that point, even though you think she might go over, she probably is a long way from that point. I sail the S.F. Bay and it takes alot of wind and more importantly, or equally importanly at least, some serious waves at important times to get close to a capsize. So, go for it, you don't need to worry about a capsize in the bay, (absent strange conditons notwithstanding). Go to the library and get some information on the "Range of Positve Stability" for a better understanding ofthis issue or talk to a "marine designer" who would be glad to explain it to you as they love to share their knowledge. The more you understand the physical dynamics of your boat, the more confidence you will have in her to lean over and move the way you want her to. All that being said, be safe and do not take any risks you are not completely confortable with, racing or not. Fairwinds, Art

 

[Toomas]

You go faster upright

I've been knocked down a couple of times and that's not fun and not fast at all. So if you're racing and want to gain way - keep her upright using less sail or sail-power - and win. In my experience when you're down, you're also out of control - totally. Your sweetheart goes whatever way the wind and sea wants. And that's not always on rumb-line to the target.So you'll have to perform the delicate act to get the most out of your sails and the current conditions.Toomas

 

[John Allison]

Enjoy Your Day

Art is right on with his explanation of the stability factor (as I like to call it). The H25 is a very stable boat, somewhat tender until she gets around 15 degrees of heel, then she hardens up. Last weekend, I had mine out on the Lake in 10 to 15 knots of wind with gusts in excess of 20. Full sails with a 155 Genoa. While close reaching she was typically 15 to 20 degrees of heel with an occasional 30 degrees. There were a few instances where I eased the main to prevent a possible round up. Waves were notable but of no problem. To me, the H25 is a very stable and, when she needs to be, a very forgiving boat. Do not get me wrong, even though I consider the boat to be stable, it will round up. This is a saving grace, however; frightening the first time it happens but, as long as she rounds to windward, no problem. Once, you know what it feels like, you can avoid it by easing the main, or by letting the sheets go. What does it feel like ..... well, first of all you are on a pretty good heel, the tiller starts to get really stiff (hard to move) and, if you have not done something at this point, it will suddenly loosen up (the rudder has literally come out of the water) and you will be turning, quite rapidly, into the wind. I race on a 30 Catalina and have rounded up on numerous occassions. I would describe this round up as violent. The H25 is not nearly so violent ..... it is just saving itself because you are not. Hope this helps ..... enjoy your boat, it is a good one.

 

[Dr. R. A. Brown]

No sweat

You are safe in your H25. The model you have is like mine (82 BOX) except for the deck and deck house. I've never been able to get mine to heel more than about 20 degrees. That means I can't get the lee rail into the water; she'll just dump the wind and/or round up, as one of the other commenters has indicated.  Be sure to keep a washboard in the companionway when the waves are up. If you fill the cockpit, you don't want the ocean down below -- it's unsafe and messy.