We are buying our first boat, a 1980 Hunter 33. It is now in Connecticut on Long Island Sound and we will be sailing/motoring it up to Lake Champlain, much closer to home. We are essentially novice sailors and would welcome any advice about things to do or watch for when putting this beauty in the water.
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Congrats
Get a up to date set of charts for your trip, and at least a hand held gps to show your location. Sounds like you will head down the LIS and then up the Hudson. Be very carefull going thru Hell Gate and thru the East River as the current can top 6 knots. There is also a lot of commercial traffic in the East River. If you wait to exit the LIS on the ebb then you will get a good speed assist from the tide. I made 12 knots over land with my 336 heading down the East River. There are a lot of good marinas and yacht clubs along the way. A crusing guide of the LIS would be a good way to read up on the area. Also there are helpfull hints on approaches to areas like inlets, etc., in the guides. Have Fun, the views are great.
Get a up to date set of charts for your trip, and at least a hand held gps to show your location. Sounds like you will head down the LIS and then up the Hudson. Be very carefull going thru Hell Gate and thru the East River as the current can top 6 knots. There is also a lot of commercial traffic in the East River. If you wait to exit the LIS on the ebb then you will get a good speed assist from the tide. I made 12 knots over land with my 336 heading down the East River. There are a lot of good marinas and yacht clubs along the way. A crusing guide of the LIS would be a good way to read up on the area. Also there are helpfull hints on approaches to areas like inlets, etc., in the guides. Have Fun, the views are great.
Preapre for the Unexpected
All of us started where you are. The advantage we have is knowing what a grand, exciting avocation sailing is. Allow plenty of time and research harbors and safe havens along your route. File a float plan with someone who's reliable and maintain periodic 'phone contact with someone on shore. Pay attention to the water and wind - you'll have plenty of time to explore your boat's nooks and crannies over the rest of the summer. Make sure all on board understand all emergency proceedures. And lastly, if you become uncomfortable in rising/shifting winds, fire up the iron genny. Ned and Tani Strain s/v Family Therapy 1995 h336 Chicago
All of us started where you are. The advantage we have is knowing what a grand, exciting avocation sailing is. Allow plenty of time and research harbors and safe havens along your route. File a float plan with someone who's reliable and maintain periodic 'phone contact with someone on shore. Pay attention to the water and wind - you'll have plenty of time to explore your boat's nooks and crannies over the rest of the summer. Make sure all on board understand all emergency proceedures. And lastly, if you become uncomfortable in rising/shifting winds, fire up the iron genny. Ned and Tani Strain s/v Family Therapy 1995 h336 Chicago
Congratulations. . .
on your new boat, and the very best of luck. I have made the trip from Mystic Ct up the Hudson as far as Kingston NY many times. I would heed George's advice and make sure you have up to date charts. Plann your trip so you don't have to enter any unfamiliar harbors at night (the ct coast is quite rocky in a lot of places). Plan your Hell Gate- East River transit with the tide. If your VHF has scanning capabilities, be sure to scan channel 13,especially on the rivers, Most large commercial traffic will announce what they are doing. For instance if you hear "tug with barge transiting westbound thru the gate" you will know before you can see them what to expect. Where are you departing from and when are you laving? Chris s/v Tidesong
on your new boat, and the very best of luck. I have made the trip from Mystic Ct up the Hudson as far as Kingston NY many times. I would heed George's advice and make sure you have up to date charts. Plann your trip so you don't have to enter any unfamiliar harbors at night (the ct coast is quite rocky in a lot of places). Plan your Hell Gate- East River transit with the tide. If your VHF has scanning capabilities, be sure to scan channel 13,especially on the rivers, Most large commercial traffic will announce what they are doing. For instance if you hear "tug with barge transiting westbound thru the gate" you will know before you can see them what to expect. Where are you departing from and when are you laving? Chris s/v Tidesong
Don't forget...
the beer. Just kidding. Have a good trip and congratulations on your new boat. Ron/KA5HZV
the beer. Just kidding. Have a good trip and congratulations on your new boat. Ron/KA5HZV
Again congrats & fair winds
Like everybody says: plan ahaid. Hell's Gate is piece of cake... when well planned ! Get 6 pieces of 2 X 4 x 6-8ft, and 3 1/2" 1/4" bolts, you'll need it on the Hudson to make a rack for your mast, to have it safe above your head and the anchor locker, few good ropes or tie downs too, to secure it. Done the trip few times on my H34 and delivering for others ! A crew of 3 is not too much ! Enjoy the scenery, while you'll be in the Hudson Valley, it's worth the trip. André
Like everybody says: plan ahaid. Hell's Gate is piece of cake... when well planned ! Get 6 pieces of 2 X 4 x 6-8ft, and 3 1/2" 1/4" bolts, you'll need it on the Hudson to make a rack for your mast, to have it safe above your head and the anchor locker, few good ropes or tie downs too, to secure it. Done the trip few times on my H34 and delivering for others ! A crew of 3 is not too much ! Enjoy the scenery, while you'll be in the Hudson Valley, it's worth the trip. André
Great boat...
I have owned my 1982 H-33 since it was new, love the boat. All boats have issues. They are different for each boat, so, no boat is perfect. Would I do it again? Absolutely. When I say "I love my boat" I really mean it. Ours has been in fresh water all its life, so we have not had the same type of things to come up on our boat as those that have been in salt water for extended amounts of time. This being a boat new to you, take a few days in the area its located to do a few test sails using all systems to besure everything is in good condition. One day soon we will be moving our boat to the coast for either a few months or something more like a few years depending on the direction in life my wife and I decide to take. Good luck, maybe one day we'll see you out there!
I have owned my 1982 H-33 since it was new, love the boat. All boats have issues. They are different for each boat, so, no boat is perfect. Would I do it again? Absolutely. When I say "I love my boat" I really mean it. Ours has been in fresh water all its life, so we have not had the same type of things to come up on our boat as those that have been in salt water for extended amounts of time. This being a boat new to you, take a few days in the area its located to do a few test sails using all systems to besure everything is in good condition. One day soon we will be moving our boat to the coast for either a few months or something more like a few years depending on the direction in life my wife and I decide to take. Good luck, maybe one day we'll see you out there!
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