cherubini 27' offshore capable?

[Steve]

Can a 1981 hunter 27 cher. be beefed up for offshore work? If so what areas should I focus on. i will be sailing 10-15 miles offshore quite bit in the next couple of years. I've read of several older catalina 27' doing it. any input would be greatly appreciated. This boat has an original diesal with good sail inventaory & is in good sound shape.
Thanks for any help!!!

 

[sailortonyb]

Yes

I wouldnt want to cross an ocean with a Cherubini 27, Buy I certainly would not hesitate to go 10 to 15 miles offshore.
As long as everything is in good shape, you should be just fine.

Tony B

 

[Manny]

Safety equipment = priority

I would definitely recommend a survey first. If the boat is in good shape I would focus on safety equipment. Epirb, radio(s), life jackets, harnesses, food, water, ditch bag, etc. There's not much room for a raft but i'm sure with some creativity you could find a place.
I read somewhere (maybe on this site?) a story about a guy who took his Hunter 27 across the english channel and got hit with some really, really nasty weather. If I remember correctly his rudder and/or prop was fouled from a torn sail but the boat made it through safely.
I would talk to folks around your marina who do the same sort of sailing you are planning to, and find out what they recommend.
Also, pay attention to the weather forecasts!!!!

Manny

 

[Daryl]

Just add Liquor

drugs may also help

 

[morgan]

Weather and currents

I have no real offshore experience but hope to someday. I own a Hunter 20 and will be attempting coastal cruising 1-2 miles off the beaches between the passes on the west coast of Florida as well as exploring Tampa Bay and Charlotte harbor. I will be approaching these areas as if they were "offshore" by giving great consideration to the weather each time I put her in the water.I will need to observe local river, bay, and ocean tides as much as possible and how they interact with the prevailing breezes as well as judging irregular wind events, and try to use them for advantage. Thunderstorms and their avoidance will be a major factor this summer. For example, if I attempted a 10 mile run between two passes off the beaches I would try to get the earliest morning breeze I could find on an outgoing tide coming out of the starting pass. In order to be to put myself in that position I may want to anchor the night before the run in the bay just inside the starting pass in order to get an early start before the afternoon t-storms. In my small craft, cruising off the beaches in agitated seas is something I will be doing everything I can do to avoid. Tampa bay can be just as harrowing if not respected as can any body of water. With this pocket crusier I hope to further develop my ability to observe and interpret weather information that I recieve from weather station reports as well as my own eyes and senses and past experience. I dont mean to sound long-winded with this post but I find talking out my plans with others helps re-inforce my strategies and often gleans new info from reader responses.I think that after a few years of successful sailing in these challenging environment I will be able to decide if true offshore sailing is for me. With the type of vessel I have I expect the coastal cruising grounds are going to keep me pretty busy and plenty challenged. Good luck with your H27 and keep us posted about your experiences off and on shore...Morgan

 

[Ketoj]

Took my Cherubini 25 offshore

Many years ago I took my 78 H25 offshore and had a blast running from Mass up to Bar Harbor. Hit some very rough stuff and lept of many a wave to be dropped in the trough (10' to 15' and zero visibility). It'll outlast you, so bring crew for 4 on 4 off watches. The Cherub is a fairly tuff boat. Probably more than the H34 I have now.

 

[Bert]

How about a sailing buddy boat?

We have taken MacGregor and Hunter 26 footers to the Bahamas ( about 50 miles of open water ) and to Dry Tortugas ( about 70 miles, some protected ). We did it in groups of similar sailboats. One way to increase your safety is to get another boat to go with you. While it is possible for both boats to have a problem at the same time, it is less likely.

Patience to wait for a weather window is neccesary. Pick a good day in the season of the year that has the most favorable weather in your area. For instance, when crossing the Gulfstream near S FLA, the smallest average wave height is in June, before hurricane season starts.

A mast head antenna for your VHF and a float plan filed with someone who cares are good ideas too.

I would wear a pfd and tether in if single handing off shore.

The boat size is just one factor. Good equipment and the condition of the boat are big factors too.

Bert