I am thinking about taking my h27 '79 model to the coast and possibly going to the Caribbean. My question is has any one here taken a h27 island hopping and how did it go? Also did you do any special prep before you set out?
going to the islands on an H27
- Thread starter jotruk
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Do'able, H27 to Islands
The H27 is a solid boat and should do fine with the right weather. Work your way down to Florida the safest way possible. Then take the shortest route over to Grand Bahama island, about sixty miles I think. You are crossing the Gulf Stream so conditions have to be right and steady. You do not want to encounter any winds from the north during the passage. You could clear customs at the west end then proceed north of the island over to the Abaco channel. Or you could sail directly to the Abaco channel and check in at Marsh Harbour.
I was amazed at how calm and shallow it was north of the island after leaving the Gulf Stream. You want good charts for the entire trip. We'll assume the crew is qualified and the boat is ocean ready.
The H27 is a solid boat and should do fine with the right weather. Work your way down to Florida the safest way possible. Then take the shortest route over to Grand Bahama island, about sixty miles I think. You are crossing the Gulf Stream so conditions have to be right and steady. You do not want to encounter any winds from the north during the passage. You could clear customs at the west end then proceed north of the island over to the Abaco channel. Or you could sail directly to the Abaco channel and check in at Marsh Harbour.
I was amazed at how calm and shallow it was north of the island after leaving the Gulf Stream. You want good charts for the entire trip. We'll assume the crew is qualified and the boat is ocean ready.
Engine Size
I've got a 78 model and while I think the boat is solid enough to do so, I'd be a little uncomfortable with the SB8 Yanmar if trouble came up. While it's a tough little engine, I don't think it's got the power to fight some of the currents you might encounter.
I've got a 78 model and while I think the boat is solid enough to do so, I'd be a little uncomfortable with the SB8 Yanmar if trouble came up. While it's a tough little engine, I don't think it's got the power to fight some of the currents you might encounter.
H27 Can Do!
Check out Tom Manalili's owner's review:
http://hunter.sailboatowners.com/index.php?option=com_brevs&task=2&review=1071&Itemid=170&model=16
He sailed from Florida into the Gulf a number of times, and the review lists his modifications.
As Ed said, this is not really a blue water trip - the long legs are mostly under 24 hours. Some systems to consider in preparing the boat are:
Check out Tom Manalili's owner's review:
http://hunter.sailboatowners.com/index.php?option=com_brevs&task=2&review=1071&Itemid=170&model=16
He sailed from Florida into the Gulf a number of times, and the review lists his modifications.
As Ed said, this is not really a blue water trip - the long legs are mostly under 24 hours. Some systems to consider in preparing the boat are:
Safety - on deck and below
Communications
Standing and running rigging
Watertight hull
Storage & tankage
Accommodations (Joanne and I have spent 8 weeks on Lady Lillie and loved it, but this one is pretty subjective.)
Spares
Tools
Engine - the SB8 is underpowered, but should do the job for you.
Communications
Standing and running rigging
Watertight hull
Storage & tankage
Accommodations (Joanne and I have spent 8 weeks on Lady Lillie and loved it, but this one is pretty subjective.)
Spares
Tools
Engine - the SB8 is underpowered, but should do the job for you.
You should be fine going down the Bahamas to Hispaniola, Puerto Rico and the Virgins. You will have a couple of long passages between islands but take your time and mind the weather. Especially mind the weather before traversing the Mona Channel between Hispaniola and Puerto Rico which can be quite treacherous in foul weather.
Thanks for the feed back, I thought that it was doable and will probably move the boat in the late spring to the gulf coast. Looks like I have some projects to do before then though
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