My experiences with a 79 h-30
After these 30 years, where to start? Over this time I removed the stock pressure alcohol stove/oven, and replaced with an Origo, 2 burner stove and a Sears microwave/convection combo oven, I don't think of propane as an asset... I smoke.
I have added one bimini and replaced two covers and two main sail covers, and a Sunbrella mast-to-backstay awning. In electronics, a RDF radio; 2 depth sounders; 2 VHF radios; 2 Garmin GPS receivers; and 2 stereo systems and a new 12 volt panel to handle new equipment.
For safety, I have added an EPIRB, Horseshoe PFD, Radar reflector, Spreader mounted deck lights, Jack lines, Masthead tri-color and anchor lights; Deck mounted running lights, the standing rigging and running rigging were replaced once, including adding a topping lift. For sailing; a 150% genoa was added.
In the interior; 2 12v fans; one 115v interior coach light; 1 brass, interior, bulkhead-mounted, gimbled, oil lamp; teak paper towel and knife holders. Mast step from the bilge to the cabin top were poorly designed. It rusted away and was replaced with an epoxy coated steel I beam, and the mast step on the cabin top was rebuilt to Hunter specs. The teak and holly sole and the Gray brand portlights were replaced with new units from Beckson. A new stainless water heater was installed, as the original rusted out. The new stainless one has a heat exchanger which provides very warm water after only one hour engine running time. The new unit is smaller than the original, but a notch must be cut in the inboard edge of the cockpit locker floor to allow installation. Hotwater heater installed as original was not suitable for marine use and required cutting fiberglass to remove and replace. Since most boat owners "trade up" after 5 years, it is left to subsequent owners to resolve these problems
The Yanmar YSM-12, one cyclinder desiel was rebuilt in 1999. New exterior, teak handrails were installed and the main hatch was rebuilt. The anchor locker hatch was rebuilt, due to delamination. Finally, a bow roller was installed. I also replaced all gate valves and thru hull fittings with seacocks. Getting to some of these components was extremely labor intensive and costly to repair.
As a pure cruiser: stable sailing, even in HEAVY seas across the Gulf Stream; people room and storage; simplicity and reliability of critical systems; a heavily built hull, which took on a main channel, steel nun-bouy and came away with only cosmetic, gel coat damage. Like most here, I find the original sail rig to work fine. The split back stay on mine is standard.
And, you've heard it all by now... YSM 12's are only barely adequate. When I learned to fly airplanes, I found that I had to plan for contingencies. It's no different with a YSM 12. I have found the significant reverse prop bias (in whichever direction) a problem.
