Requesting observations on an Atlantic circumnavagation in a H37C. Assuming proper set up for the crossing and experience at the helm, will the H37C be up to the test? A friend did it in a 32' Westsail which is a solid cruiser. Depart the East coast north of Morehead City, NC to Bermuda to the Azores and return via the Canaries to Antigua. I'm new to this site and am wondering what the other H37C sailors feel about the seaworthiness and ruggedness of this cutter in a long passage ? Assuming all else equal, is it a tough enough rig to get it done?
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A guy went one way solo
within the last couple of years in that boat. I seem to remember I was not impresed with his preparations. There were some newpaper articles on the web from his home port out of N.C or S.C.
within the last couple of years in that boat. I seem to remember I was not impresed with his preparations. There were some newpaper articles on the web from his home port out of N.C or S.C.
H37C to Bermuda
My prior boat was an 85 H37C that I had taken round trip to Bermuda twice. The boat handled everything (45 knot winds, 15 ft. seas, etc). I replaced all the standing rigging and running rigging, new trippled reef main, new roller furl staysail and furling yankee and new rudder(heaver tube as I had bent the stock rudder tube). I felt that the water tankage was questionable and I would have liked more fuel. The yanmar four cyl. was very economical and in calms I could motor at 1400 rpm and make 5.2 knots with a clean bottom, fuel comsumpti0n was .2 gph. Install lee cloths and get a under deck auto pilot. Well equipped, the boat is unbeatable and I would not hesitate.
My prior boat was an 85 H37C that I had taken round trip to Bermuda twice. The boat handled everything (45 knot winds, 15 ft. seas, etc). I replaced all the standing rigging and running rigging, new trippled reef main, new roller furl staysail and furling yankee and new rudder(heaver tube as I had bent the stock rudder tube). I felt that the water tankage was questionable and I would have liked more fuel. The yanmar four cyl. was very economical and in calms I could motor at 1400 rpm and make 5.2 knots with a clean bottom, fuel comsumpti0n was .2 gph. Install lee cloths and get a under deck auto pilot. Well equipped, the boat is unbeatable and I would not hesitate.
Depart Bermuda
in early June and return from Cape Verdes, Canary Isles in late December or early January to catch favorable winds. Thanks Alan, your observations are encouraging. Had not yet thought of lee cloths. A below deck pilot is on the list. Additional fresh water is to be stored in flexable containers and stowed in compartments under the V-berth. We are upgrading the rigging as well. And now, will take a hard look at the rudder post assembly. The East coast to Bermuda will be a good shakedown cruise. I understand the run is about six days. What did you find it to be Alan?
in early June and return from Cape Verdes, Canary Isles in late December or early January to catch favorable winds. Thanks Alan, your observations are encouraging. Had not yet thought of lee cloths. A below deck pilot is on the list. Additional fresh water is to be stored in flexable containers and stowed in compartments under the V-berth. We are upgrading the rigging as well. And now, will take a hard look at the rudder post assembly. The East coast to Bermuda will be a good shakedown cruise. I understand the run is about six days. What did you find it to be Alan?
Hunter 25
I thought the Hunter Cherubini's were coastal cruisers, not blue water boats. They do not have full keels and may not have the seaworthiness to handle major weather, I'm no expert by any means, just basic knowledge, however, my understanding is that coastal cruisers and blue water vessels have distinct characteristics that make them appropriate for the particular type of sailing one does. The Cherubini's were a low cost solution for the middle-class (that's me) to get into sailing.
I thought the Hunter Cherubini's were coastal cruisers, not blue water boats. They do not have full keels and may not have the seaworthiness to handle major weather, I'm no expert by any means, just basic knowledge, however, my understanding is that coastal cruisers and blue water vessels have distinct characteristics that make them appropriate for the particular type of sailing one does. The Cherubini's were a low cost solution for the middle-class (that's me) to get into sailing.
An H34 Will Be Crossing In May
Tao, There are some who say it's not the boat but the sailor. There is a captain who is a regular contributor to this site who will cross this year (2007) single handed in a 1983 Hunter 34. He previously made the east to west trip in a Beneteau 30 (single handed). His planned route is Norfolk - Bermuda - Azores - England. He is making modifications but he is quite sure the boat can handle the voyage. Check out his web site. Very nice guy who appears both well informed and an able seaman. His HOW sign name is Hunter Voyager. You can look him up in the archives under author. He has 48 posts since Dec 05. http://www.geocities.com/dynamic.systems@btinternet.com/index.html Also take a look at the sail calculator. The information on that site pertaining to the H37C appears to help qualify this boat as blue water capable. http://www.image-ination.com/sailcalc.html Joe Mullee
Tao, There are some who say it's not the boat but the sailor. There is a captain who is a regular contributor to this site who will cross this year (2007) single handed in a 1983 Hunter 34. He previously made the east to west trip in a Beneteau 30 (single handed). His planned route is Norfolk - Bermuda - Azores - England. He is making modifications but he is quite sure the boat can handle the voyage. Check out his web site. Very nice guy who appears both well informed and an able seaman. His HOW sign name is Hunter Voyager. You can look him up in the archives under author. He has 48 posts since Dec 05. http://www.geocities.com/dynamic.systems@btinternet.com/index.html Also take a look at the sail calculator. The information on that site pertaining to the H37C appears to help qualify this boat as blue water capable. http://www.image-ination.com/sailcalc.html Joe Mullee
Joe,
was unable to open Hunter Voyager web site. Can you reissue for me. By clicking on the link, It just opened to yahoo.
was unable to open Hunter Voyager web site. Can you reissue for me. By clicking on the link, It just opened to yahoo.
Tao, Try This.......
Tao, I'm doing something wrong so I can't get that website as a link. Do this: Go to the archives. In the open box put in the words "Hunter Voyager" In the next column pick "Find Exact Phrase" In the next column pick "Author" Hit "Search" All his posts will pop up. Go to the 36th post. His link is in that post. If you get time read some of his other posts. Like many on this site he's an interesting guy. If it still doesn't work email me from the owner directory and I'll give you his email address. Good Luck, Joe Mullee
Tao, I'm doing something wrong so I can't get that website as a link. Do this: Go to the archives. In the open box put in the words "Hunter Voyager" In the next column pick "Find Exact Phrase" In the next column pick "Author" Hit "Search" All his posts will pop up. Go to the 36th post. His link is in that post. If you get time read some of his other posts. Like many on this site he's an interesting guy. If it still doesn't work email me from the owner directory and I'll give you his email address. Good Luck, Joe Mullee
Rudder posts.
Noticed the comments about the rudder post. And have always wondered about the strength of our H37C rudders. One of our owners actually posted pictures of a complete rebuild showing the inside of the rudder. My concern has always been which is better, to have the post break and lose the rudder or have it not break and tear out the transom of the boat? If the latter is not of concern then inserting a size smaller stainless post should be sufficient. Assuming, of course, that all is still solid inside the foam. Along these lines I recently followed a truck down the I-75 off ramp at Alachua, Florida which is where the Hunter factory is located. The truck had rudders on it and it was obvious that all the posts were solid stainless. Now there's some sturdy(and heavy) rudders.
Noticed the comments about the rudder post. And have always wondered about the strength of our H37C rudders. One of our owners actually posted pictures of a complete rebuild showing the inside of the rudder. My concern has always been which is better, to have the post break and lose the rudder or have it not break and tear out the transom of the boat? If the latter is not of concern then inserting a size smaller stainless post should be sufficient. Assuming, of course, that all is still solid inside the foam. Along these lines I recently followed a truck down the I-75 off ramp at Alachua, Florida which is where the Hunter factory is located. The truck had rudders on it and it was obvious that all the posts were solid stainless. Now there's some sturdy(and heavy) rudders.
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