Backstay

[weedstomper]

Has anybody ever taken a H260 or 270 to Hawaii?

Can a backstay be adapted and would it be helpful for such a trip?

Would appreciate comments

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

backstay would interfere with the mainsail due to the design of the sail and the way the B & R rig was set up. IF you plan such a trip, best make sure you talk with those who have done that type of sailing that have the experience, not weekend warriors.

 

[David in Sandusky]

B&R rig not the issue

The B&R rig is plenty strong for the trip. I'm more concerned with the nearly 9 foot beam on a 5000 pound boat. It lowers the chance of the boat righting itself if you get rolled by a breaking wave. Trapped on an inverted boat is not a good way to be far from shore.

Listen to (not so) Crazy Dave and talk to those who have made the trip!

 

[cephius (Dave)]

The H260 was engineered as a Class C boat. That means sheltered and costal waters. It does not have the hardware for serious, open ocean, weather.

 

[Benny17441]

Yes, I'm sure a few have made the trip inside a shipping container. Let's face it the boat can hardly hold enough drinking water and food supplies for such a journey.

 

[weedstomper]

Agree on the need for skill and expertise. No doubt about it. Was curious about what users felt the boat can do.

However, the capsize ratio for the boat is 2.1. The wing keel version (270) probably has different righting ability than the water ballasted 260 for the same Capsize Ratio. The 270 was sold (as per my manual) as a Class B boat. In 2008 a Cal 20 (" Black Feathers" ) came out 2nd in the Transpac singlehanded race from San Francisco to Hawaii. I guess he could pack enough water and food in his 20 footer. This sailor had theorughly prepared himself and the boat for the venture.
Cheers and thanx for the good discussion.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

The dry weight of the waterballast is 3000 with an additional 2000 water ballast while the 270 which is the same design with a fixed keel is 5000. No question there is a little more stability with a fixed keel but apparently the originator of this thread does not have the experience and it takes time and training not to mention good planning. Why the question to begin with before anyone should respond further.

crazy dave condon

 

[Jackdaw]

No question there is a little more stability with a fixed keel but apparently the originator of this thread does not have the experience and it takes time and training not to mention good planning. Why the question to begin with before anyone should respond further.

crazy dave condon

Exactly.

 

[weedstomper]

skills and preparation, indeed

Sorry if I annoyed somebody, not intended to. The topic is fascinating and comes up all over the place in internet. Judging by the diversiy of boats employed (even a Potter 19: http://www.wingo.com/billsvoyage/technotes.html), preparation, skills and daring are of great relevance as pointed out in this thread. Couldn't help wonder how H260/270 seaworthiness would be rated for such a task, thought experienced users would have useful opinions. Also, as first time user of the B&R rig, I wondered how suitable it would be for a demanding downwind trip. This was clarified in the responses; good point also on the righting ability (beam vs displacement) of this boat.

Cheers

 

[TFU]

The B&R rig is plenty strong for the trip

I have heard several boat designers question the wisdom of no back stay, even on inland lake/costal sailing, never mind a deep water cruise such as you contemplate.
Consider adding a back stay regardless. I don't think the roach will interfere with it, but check it out and get professional advise.
I've got a hunter 37.5 with a B&R rigid AND a split back stay .

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

a backstay will interfere with the roach or backside of the mainsail big time and this is the expert on this one.

 

[weedstomper]

Thank you all for the useful info