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Not very fast usually
We had a 1995 H26. Speed was not its strong point, then again it might have been the skipper. In good wind where you did not need to reef, we did 4.5-5 knots steady. moderate wind 3 - 3.5. Light wind: bob. We only had the original sails: main and 110 jib. I tended to sheet in too hard upwind. But we also tended to load on the gear. The H24 is a pocket cruiser not a pocket racer. Plenty of drinks and food. Markdb
We had a 1995 H26. Speed was not its strong point, then again it might have been the skipper. In good wind where you did not need to reef, we did 4.5-5 knots steady. moderate wind 3 - 3.5. Light wind: bob. We only had the original sails: main and 110 jib. I tended to sheet in too hard upwind. But we also tended to load on the gear. The H24 is a pocket cruiser not a pocket racer. Plenty of drinks and food. Markdb
It went way too fast at first... 
The first time we took our 26 out last year the 'calm' learning winds gave way to a 20+ knot 'blow' and our instruments were reading 6.5 knots speed. I'm not sure if that's even technically possible on an inland lake (no following waves, no current) but that's what it said. Granted, the wind caught us off-guard so we were at full sail the whole time. (It's times like that when you have those thoughts: 'note to self - learn how to reef the *&%^@$^ main!!' ) Hey, I'm new at this 'big boat' stuff! In winds from below 5 knots we just seem to sort of sit there, from 5-10 knot winds we can get 4-5 knots on the instruments. Which leads me to a tangental question - anyone know how to calibrate a knotometer? Dave Crowley s/v Wind Dreamer
The first time we took our 26 out last year the 'calm' learning winds gave way to a 20+ knot 'blow' and our instruments were reading 6.5 knots speed. I'm not sure if that's even technically possible on an inland lake (no following waves, no current) but that's what it said. Granted, the wind caught us off-guard so we were at full sail the whole time. (It's times like that when you have those thoughts: 'note to self - learn how to reef the *&%^@$^ main!!'
) Hey, I'm new at this 'big boat' stuff! In winds from below 5 knots we just seem to sort of sit there, from 5-10 knot winds we can get 4-5 knots on the instruments. Which leads me to a tangental question - anyone know how to calibrate a knotometer? Dave Crowley s/v Wind DreamerSpeed!
Hull speed of the boat may be about 6.5kts but I had my H26 at over 8 on a broad reach for several minutes once. What a ride. What amazed me is how balanced the boat stayed. Then when I tried to head up, she heeled big time. Ron Mehringer s/v Hydro-Therapy
Hull speed of the boat may be about 6.5kts but I had my H26 at over 8 on a broad reach for several minutes once. What a ride. What amazed me is how balanced the boat stayed. Then when I tried to head up, she heeled big time. Ron Mehringer s/v Hydro-Therapy
Wow
8 knots? That must have been a ride! So, maybe my 6.5 knots wasn't an error in the instruments, eh? The great irony of my 'wild ride' is that I've spent the last 6 years or so as a 'stink boater' and my 14' jetboat could cruise at 40 MPH or so (and often did...) But 6 knots on a sailboat sure is a lot more exciting (and quieter ;D ) Dave Crowley s/v Wind Dreamer
8 knots? That must have been a ride! So, maybe my 6.5 knots wasn't an error in the instruments, eh? The great irony of my 'wild ride' is that I've spent the last 6 years or so as a 'stink boater' and my 14' jetboat could cruise at 40 MPH or so (and often did...) But 6 knots on a sailboat sure is a lot more exciting (and quieter ;D ) Dave Crowley s/v Wind Dreamer
Please note how the wind must be cranked up
...to acheive these speeds. It's quite memorable when it happens. Of course, other memories may also pop up (i.e. life flashing before your eyes. ;D
...to acheive these speeds. It's quite memorable when it happens. Of course, other memories may also pop up (i.e. life flashing before your eyes. ;D
broad reach 6, close hauling 5.7
Our fastest speeds have been on broad reaches. With full sails up on our 2001 H260, we've peaked at 7.8 knots and have kept her steady at 6 for awhile in what was probably 15 knot winds in the outer harbor (no real seas, just chop). Luckily we've had runs like this a few times this summer! When close hauling we've been able to keep it between 5.5 and 6 knots in similar winds but have not peaked any higher than 6.5. Although currents may have influenced our speed readings (our only speed readings have been SOG from GPS), these are typical numbers that we've seen on more than one occassion.
Our fastest speeds have been on broad reaches. With full sails up on our 2001 H260, we've peaked at 7.8 knots and have kept her steady at 6 for awhile in what was probably 15 knot winds in the outer harbor (no real seas, just chop). Luckily we've had runs like this a few times this summer! When close hauling we've been able to keep it between 5.5 and 6 knots in similar winds but have not peaked any higher than 6.5. Although currents may have influenced our speed readings (our only speed readings have been SOG from GPS), these are typical numbers that we've seen on more than one occassion.
55 knots...
...but that was on the trailer. In the water, I've recorded 7 knots max, but that was speed over ground, as measured by GPS, and probably included a boost from a favorable current. Generally I can get 5-6 knots in 10-15 knot winds.
...but that was on the trailer. In the water, I've recorded 7 knots max, but that was speed over ground, as measured by GPS, and probably included a boost from a favorable current. Generally I can get 5-6 knots in 10-15 knot winds.
Calibrating knotmeter
You'll need a chart, a watch with a second hand and a calculator. Pick two points on the chart at least half a mile apart with a clear line between them (channel markers are ideal). Measure the distance between the points. From a running start, measure the time it takes to motor at some constant speed (shown on the knotmeter) in a straight line from the first point to the second. The running start is very important, as you must pass the first mark fully up to speed. The distance (in nautical miles) divided by the elapsed time (converted to hours) is the average boatspeed in knots. If you suspect that there's a current, the process becomes a bit more complicated. Reverse course and motor back to the first mark at the same knotmeter speed as before. Measure the time and calculate the speed on the return leg. The average of the two speeds is true boatspeed through the water. Half the difference between the two is the speed of the current. Peter H23 "Raven"
You'll need a chart, a watch with a second hand and a calculator. Pick two points on the chart at least half a mile apart with a clear line between them (channel markers are ideal). Measure the distance between the points. From a running start, measure the time it takes to motor at some constant speed (shown on the knotmeter) in a straight line from the first point to the second. The running start is very important, as you must pass the first mark fully up to speed. The distance (in nautical miles) divided by the elapsed time (converted to hours) is the average boatspeed in knots. If you suspect that there's a current, the process becomes a bit more complicated. Reverse course and motor back to the first mark at the same knotmeter speed as before. Measure the time and calculate the speed on the return leg. The average of the two speeds is true boatspeed through the water. Half the difference between the two is the speed of the current. Peter H23 "Raven"
Thanks Peter
That type of calibration makes sense, but the markers in our inland lake are (at best) haphazard - they are placed every season by well-meaning folks and basically keep you from going aground. I was sort of hoping for something I could do with it on the trailer (okay, simplistic perhaps, but if I knew the 'speed' of a garden hose output and ran that over the knotmeter's pickup on the hull bottom...) Maybe I'll just leave it be - sounds like the conditions I had might have actually produced the speed I attained. Thanks, Dave Crowley s/v Wind Dreamer
That type of calibration makes sense, but the markers in our inland lake are (at best) haphazard - they are placed every season by well-meaning folks and basically keep you from going aground.
I was sort of hoping for something I could do with it on the trailer (okay, simplistic perhaps, but if I knew the 'speed' of a garden hose output and ran that over the knotmeter's pickup on the hull bottom...) Maybe I'll just leave it be - sounds like the conditions I had might have actually produced the speed I attained. Thanks, Dave Crowley s/v Wind DreamerOther alternatives
If you have a chart for the lake, try and find two other fixed objects with a clear course between them. Another approach is to use a GPS, which was mentioned in another post. Since you're on an inland lake, current is not an issue. Good luck. Peter H23 "Raven"
If you have a chart for the lake, try and find two other fixed objects with a clear course between them. Another approach is to use a GPS, which was mentioned in another post. Since you're on an inland lake, current is not an issue. Good luck. Peter H23 "Raven"
Calibration for Slackers
The easiest way to calibrate your knotmeter is to compare it to another instrument, either a knotstick or a GPS. The knotstick is the simplest, but less accurate. Since it measures speed through the water, you can do in any time. For the GPS you need slack water, but it should give you a more precise result. The photo shows how it worked on my GPS *pop
The easiest way to calibrate your knotmeter is to compare it to another instrument, either a knotstick or a GPS. The knotstick is the simplest, but less accurate. Since it measures speed through the water, you can do in any time. For the GPS you need slack water, but it should give you a more precise result. The photo shows how it worked on my GPS *pop
Attachments
8 Kts. Max
Sailing my H-26 on a broad reach in 25+ kts. of wind, I have hit 8 kts. on 2 occasions. Quite a ride. On Tahoe, I experienced a rogue gust in excess of 40 kts. Thank God I was reefed. The boat accelarated like a rocket and surfed. On San Francisco Bay, on a beam reach between Angel Island and the Bay Bridge, I sustained 7+ kts. for 30 minutes with a reefed main and partially rolled up jib in 30 kt. winds. During the same trip, I hit 8 kts. on a broad reach. I didn't even get wet! Boat was very manageable, with a balanced helm. I was pleasantly surprised! When the rig is properly tuned, this boat really cooks. Don B. Redding, CA.
Sailing my H-26 on a broad reach in 25+ kts. of wind, I have hit 8 kts. on 2 occasions. Quite a ride. On Tahoe, I experienced a rogue gust in excess of 40 kts. Thank God I was reefed. The boat accelarated like a rocket and surfed. On San Francisco Bay, on a beam reach between Angel Island and the Bay Bridge, I sustained 7+ kts. for 30 minutes with a reefed main and partially rolled up jib in 30 kt. winds. During the same trip, I hit 8 kts. on a broad reach. I didn't even get wet! Boat was very manageable, with a balanced helm. I was pleasantly surprised! When the rig is properly tuned, this boat really cooks. Don B. Redding, CA.
Had my H26 up to 9.6 knots...
on a downwind sail on Green Bay this summer!! We were just flying!!! That is the best I've ever done and haven't repeated it. Before that the best I ever did was 8.3. My normal to on a day to day basis is about 6.50 - 7 knots in a 10-15 knot breeze.
on a downwind sail on Green Bay this summer!! We were just flying!!! That is the best I've ever done and haven't repeated it. Before that the best I ever did was 8.3. My normal to on a day to day basis is about 6.50 - 7 knots in a 10-15 knot breeze.
9.5 Knots
I hit 9.5 Knots on the GPS this past May on Baregat Bay, NJ, on a trip down the ICW to Atlantic City. Winds were 20-25Kt out of the NE with 2-3' seas in the bay. This put us on a broad reach with the main reefed and the jib rolled up about 30%. I had to use the boom topping lift as a backstay to keep the mast from pumping forward bigtime. The weight of the rolled-up jib wasn't helping the situation! Most of the trip was at 6-7Kt, but that one spike as we surfed down a wave was quite a rush!
I hit 9.5 Knots on the GPS this past May on Baregat Bay, NJ, on a trip down the ICW to Atlantic City. Winds were 20-25Kt out of the NE with 2-3' seas in the bay. This put us on a broad reach with the main reefed and the jib rolled up about 30%. I had to use the boom topping lift as a backstay to keep the mast from pumping forward bigtime. The weight of the rolled-up jib wasn't helping the situation! Most of the trip was at 6-7Kt, but that one spike as we surfed down a wave was quite a rush!
Definitely need to calibrate those speedos.
Grasping the important difference between SOG (speed over ground) and SOW (speed over water) would be helpful, too. Hull speed exists. It's based on physical principles that are called "laws" for a good reason. The only way to go faster than hull speed -- about 6 knots SOW for a 260 -- is to plane. Have you been up on plane lately?
Grasping the important difference between SOG (speed over ground) and SOW (speed over water) would be helpful, too. Hull speed exists. It's based on physical principles that are called "laws" for a good reason. The only way to go faster than hull speed -- about 6 knots SOW for a 260 -- is to plane. Have you been up on plane lately?
Doubting Thomas
To briefly plane while surfing a wave in a boat with a relatively flat bottom and light displacement in heavy winds is not exactly unheard of.
To briefly plane while surfing a wave in a boat with a relatively flat bottom and light displacement in heavy winds is not exactly unheard of.
Phil...
When I had my broad reach run at 8+ knots, I kept quiet about it for quite a while, because I thought others would think it was a boastful lie. While my speedo may not be dead accurate, I can tell you the boat was moving well over hull speed. Didn't need a speedo to know that, but it helped to confirm it. Once it has happened to you, you'll become a true believer. FWIW, I believe hull speed is concept or theory. Not quite on the level of being a law of physics. Ron Mehringer h26 Hydro-Therapy
When I had my broad reach run at 8+ knots, I kept quiet about it for quite a while, because I thought others would think it was a boastful lie. While my speedo may not be dead accurate, I can tell you the boat was moving well over hull speed. Didn't need a speedo to know that, but it helped to confirm it. Once it has happened to you, you'll become a true believer. FWIW, I believe hull speed is concept or theory. Not quite on the level of being a law of physics. Ron Mehringer h26 Hydro-Therapy
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