Are there any Hunter 146 owners out there that have found a way to correct for how tipsy this boat is? Has anyone flipped the jam cleat for the mainsheet?
Advice for a new owner
- Thread starter Robert19742
- Start date
- Status
CheersBut seriously...
I suspect you actually would appreciate help, thus the question... A 146 is going to tender (tipsy) in a few situations: One, if you have too much sail up for wind conditions. Try reefing your main or flying a little less jib, or both until you have a feel for how she handles. Second, if you have your sheets trimmed in too tight for your chosen point of sail. Apparent wind can be confusing and you may think the true wind is further forward than it really is. Easy your jib sheets and trim in until the telltale is flying smoothly. Easy your boom to leeward and trim her back in until her telltales are flying smooth. I'm willing to bet that you have your sheets too tight. Another thought: Do you have your keel down? Back when I started sailing I left it up once or twice. Tipsy for sure.
I suspect you actually would appreciate help, thus the question... A 146 is going to tender (tipsy) in a few situations: One, if you have too much sail up for wind conditions. Try reefing your main or flying a little less jib, or both until you have a feel for how she handles. Second, if you have your sheets trimmed in too tight for your chosen point of sail. Apparent wind can be confusing and you may think the true wind is further forward than it really is. Easy your jib sheets and trim in until the telltale is flying smoothly. Easy your boom to leeward and trim her back in until her telltales are flying smooth. I'm willing to bet that you have your sheets too tight. Another thought: Do you have your keel down? Back when I started sailing I left it up once or twice. Tipsy for sure.
Small boats are just going to be tipsy
..as you said. It's simply the nature of a 14' boat. Every pound of weight swinging around makes a difference which is why these make great first boats. This experience will make you much more in tune with the wind/weight/waves. Go have fun, there's very little to do except get acclimated by sailing more and gaining more confidence. Be safe.
..as you said. It's simply the nature of a 14' boat. Every pound of weight swinging around makes a difference which is why these make great first boats. This experience will make you much more in tune with the wind/weight/waves. Go have fun, there's very little to do except get acclimated by sailing more and gaining more confidence. Be safe.
Serious reply
Hey, thanks for a serious response - - there seem to be a few Henny Youngman's out on the water today! I'm an experienced sailor, been sailing over 40 years. I'm also a windsurfer, so I have a pretty good sense of balance. I've been on many small boats but none that were as unstable as the Hunter 146 I just purchased. It overreacts to the slightest weight movement even when tethered to the bouy with the sails furled and the centerboard down! I think the problem lies in the hull design and the only fix may be a much heavier centerboard. I guess I will reach out to Hunter for help.
Hey, thanks for a serious response - - there seem to be a few Henny Youngman's out on the water today! I'm an experienced sailor, been sailing over 40 years. I'm also a windsurfer, so I have a pretty good sense of balance. I've been on many small boats but none that were as unstable as the Hunter 146 I just purchased. It overreacts to the slightest weight movement even when tethered to the bouy with the sails furled and the centerboard down! I think the problem lies in the hull design and the only fix may be a much heavier centerboard. I guess I will reach out to Hunter for help.
Good to know...
I've tossed around the idea of buying something smaller and easy to trailer. I guess it would be good to sail what I'm considering before doing anything rash.
I've tossed around the idea of buying something smaller and easy to trailer. I guess it would be good to sail what I'm considering before doing anything rash.
- Status