Last time out on Kerr Lake we had about 15mph steady winds and I was able to stay close hauled with my H260 heeled over at 30 degrees. My question is whether this is excessive heeling for this boat or is it normal with full sails and a 15mph wind?
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David Foster
Too much heel
15 to 20 degrees is the maximum heel for most modern sailboats. Beyond that reefing will keep you moving faster, and with less leeway. (You are certainly going sideways beating into the wind with a 30 degree heel much more than with 15 degrees, and less sail.) But before you reef, I suggest you work with the sail. Easing the traveler decreases the angle of attack. Maybe some of the other 260 sailors can help with further adjustments for your sailplan. David Lady Lillie '77 h27
15 to 20 degrees is the maximum heel for most modern sailboats. Beyond that reefing will keep you moving faster, and with less leeway. (You are certainly going sideways beating into the wind with a 30 degree heel much more than with 15 degrees, and less sail.) But before you reef, I suggest you work with the sail. Easing the traveler decreases the angle of attack. Maybe some of the other 260 sailors can help with further adjustments for your sailplan. David Lady Lillie '77 h27
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Brian
Lack of Traveller
I posted last week about the lack of travellers on H260s, and I think the lack of travellers in a somewhat tender, water ballasted sailboat is the biggest design flaw in the boat. I love the H260. I love how easy it is to rig, set up, and sail. However, in their zest to simplify, Hunter left out important sail controls. It seems that travellers on the main and jib would allow us to de-power the rig without having to reef so early, and thereby reduce heel angle and maintain forward boat speed. I would also guess that weather helm would be reduced and pointing ability would improve. I would love to hear other comments on this subject... Brian.
I posted last week about the lack of travellers on H260s, and I think the lack of travellers in a somewhat tender, water ballasted sailboat is the biggest design flaw in the boat. I love the H260. I love how easy it is to rig, set up, and sail. However, in their zest to simplify, Hunter left out important sail controls. It seems that travellers on the main and jib would allow us to de-power the rig without having to reef so early, and thereby reduce heel angle and maintain forward boat speed. I would also guess that weather helm would be reduced and pointing ability would improve. I would love to hear other comments on this subject... Brian.
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Ray Bowles
Great Job! You flat know that you can't turn her
turtle. I've found that on my 95 H26 I needed a higher reef point in the main. The original reef on the Doyle sail was in the 2d position. I added an additional reef in the 3d position 4 feet higher. The lack of a traveler is somewhat of a problem but it is less than the problem of not having an adjustable jib sheet block assembly. I have a roller furling jib and the jib sheet blocks are fixed quite a distance back on the cabin top. When reefing the jib in and leaving less than 75% flying it caused it to flog with fatal energy. We rigged up jib blocks that we mounted on the cabin forward lifeline stanchion base and run the jib sheets thru that. Whole new boat! I plan to add these luxury items permantly this summer. This allowed Speedy to sail at a heel angle of about 25 % with the first reef in the main and about 55 to 60% of the jib flying. Using the new reef in the main (in the 3d position) and the jib rolled back out to about 70 to 75% she sails at the same speed but with an angle of about 18 to 20% and less leeward slip. This is still on the edge of fun for most passengers and sailors, including myself, but good knowledge and comfort for those times when we plan on spending the night out and won't be turning back. Thank you for your post as it made me return to last summer and enjoy all we learned. In our log book for Aug. 6th, 2001 the entry was in very bold angry pencil strokes and it said "I'm tired of getting my BUTT kicked in big winds and running for shelter!!!" As we talked over dinner my wife mentioned that the jib lines were at an angle that was fairly flat and couldn't hold down the clew portion of the jib. BINGO! We rigged up our temporary blocks that were much further forward and addressed 18-22MPH headwinds the next morning. No crying in the grog that night! What a lesson. Sailing flatter in a WB boat is usually faster. Ray S/V Speedy
turtle. I've found that on my 95 H26 I needed a higher reef point in the main. The original reef on the Doyle sail was in the 2d position. I added an additional reef in the 3d position 4 feet higher. The lack of a traveler is somewhat of a problem but it is less than the problem of not having an adjustable jib sheet block assembly. I have a roller furling jib and the jib sheet blocks are fixed quite a distance back on the cabin top. When reefing the jib in and leaving less than 75% flying it caused it to flog with fatal energy. We rigged up jib blocks that we mounted on the cabin forward lifeline stanchion base and run the jib sheets thru that. Whole new boat! I plan to add these luxury items permantly this summer. This allowed Speedy to sail at a heel angle of about 25 % with the first reef in the main and about 55 to 60% of the jib flying. Using the new reef in the main (in the 3d position) and the jib rolled back out to about 70 to 75% she sails at the same speed but with an angle of about 18 to 20% and less leeward slip. This is still on the edge of fun for most passengers and sailors, including myself, but good knowledge and comfort for those times when we plan on spending the night out and won't be turning back. Thank you for your post as it made me return to last summer and enjoy all we learned. In our log book for Aug. 6th, 2001 the entry was in very bold angry pencil strokes and it said "I'm tired of getting my BUTT kicked in big winds and running for shelter!!!" As we talked over dinner my wife mentioned that the jib lines were at an angle that was fairly flat and couldn't hold down the clew portion of the jib. BINGO! We rigged up our temporary blocks that were much further forward and addressed 18-22MPH headwinds the next morning. No crying in the grog that night! What a lesson. Sailing flatter in a WB boat is usually faster. Ray S/V Speedy
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Nancy Berg
Wetted Surface
Actually the more wetted hull surface area, the slower you go. Also the more you heel the more wind you spill from the top of the sail. ( and go slower) So you can actually go FASTER in higher winds with a reefed main. Sailing at about 15 degrees is the optimal least wetted surface. (for most Hunters) Try it some time. Compare your speed under various configurations. If you contantly have to struggle and round up or fight the tiller, or have to spill wind, you loose speed. (assuming fairly steady wind, in gusts you still have to adjust some.)
Actually the more wetted hull surface area, the slower you go. Also the more you heel the more wind you spill from the top of the sail. ( and go slower) So you can actually go FASTER in higher winds with a reefed main. Sailing at about 15 degrees is the optimal least wetted surface. (for most Hunters) Try it some time. Compare your speed under various configurations. If you contantly have to struggle and round up or fight the tiller, or have to spill wind, you loose speed. (assuming fairly steady wind, in gusts you still have to adjust some.)
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Brian Rader
More Info, please Ray Bowles
Ray, Can you provide me with a more vivid description of the adjustable jib sheet block assembly - pictures would be even better. I also have a roller furler on my new (read "not yet delivered") H260, and from the comments I have read regarding this boat, as well as common sense about a boat with a high center of gravity and minimal sail controls, it seems that a main sheet traveller and adjustable jib sheet block assembly would drastically improve the sailing experience by increasing our ability to depower in higher winds (improve pointing ability too? improve safety LOTS). How will you design your more permanent jib sheet block assembly? Details, please... Thanks!!! Brian.
Ray, Can you provide me with a more vivid description of the adjustable jib sheet block assembly - pictures would be even better. I also have a roller furler on my new (read "not yet delivered") H260, and from the comments I have read regarding this boat, as well as common sense about a boat with a high center of gravity and minimal sail controls, it seems that a main sheet traveller and adjustable jib sheet block assembly would drastically improve the sailing experience by increasing our ability to depower in higher winds (improve pointing ability too? improve safety LOTS). How will you design your more permanent jib sheet block assembly? Details, please... Thanks!!! Brian.
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