I was out in about 25 kt. winds this weekend in my Hunter 22 under full sail. The boat was heeling over to the point where the rail was almost in the water. Is this too much heel for a my boat or is it designed to handle those kinds of conditions? Thanks for your response's.
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Performance is the best test
Control and performance are the best test of how much to heel. How'd you feel when your boat was heeled that far over? Sails powered? Did you have control of the helm? Speed? (Were any crew members screaming?) Those are all things to consider.
Control and performance are the best test of how much to heel. How'd you feel when your boat was heeled that far over? Sails powered? Did you have control of the helm? Speed? (Were any crew members screaming?) Those are all things to consider.
Boat can take it, less than 20 degrees is faster
You are far from any danger with the rail buried. Some of us really like the thrill. (But my Admiral doesn't!) For a number of reasons, heeling over 20 degrees reduces speed and control: - effective sail area (presented to the wind) is reduced. - hull shape in the water is less efficient. - effective keel area (presented to the water) is reduced - the rudder pushes down as well as to the side, so you use more rudder (and create more drag) for the same turning force. - weather helm increases with higher wind, again requiring more rudder and drag. No problem with a gust or two that buries the rail. But if it persists at all, reef the main! Your boat will sail fasted because: - less heel gains back much of the sail area lost to reefing (compared to the high heel. - weather helm is reduced, reducing rudder drag (and helm fatigue.) - the rudder is more efficient, also reducing drag. - the more vertical keel will reduce leeway. - many designs deliberately have their fastest wetted surface with a 10 to 15 degree heel. And most of your crew and guests will be more comfortable. But if you and all your crew enjoy the thrill - have at it - the boat will take care of you! David Lady Lillie
You are far from any danger with the rail buried. Some of us really like the thrill. (But my Admiral doesn't!) For a number of reasons, heeling over 20 degrees reduces speed and control: - effective sail area (presented to the wind) is reduced. - hull shape in the water is less efficient. - effective keel area (presented to the water) is reduced - the rudder pushes down as well as to the side, so you use more rudder (and create more drag) for the same turning force. - weather helm increases with higher wind, again requiring more rudder and drag. No problem with a gust or two that buries the rail. But if it persists at all, reef the main! Your boat will sail fasted because: - less heel gains back much of the sail area lost to reefing (compared to the high heel. - weather helm is reduced, reducing rudder drag (and helm fatigue.) - the rudder is more efficient, also reducing drag. - the more vertical keel will reduce leeway. - many designs deliberately have their fastest wetted surface with a 10 to 15 degree heel. And most of your crew and guests will be more comfortable. But if you and all your crew enjoy the thrill - have at it - the boat will take care of you! David Lady Lillie
Excellent Response David
David is right on. I like to be comfortable when I sail and keeping the boat on her feet is very efficient for the reasons David has mentioned. If you are sailing with more than 3 degrees of weather helm you need to adjust your sails. A lot of skippers measure and mark the wheel for this purpose. BTY whith the Admiral aboard this is standing orders.
David is right on. I like to be comfortable when I sail and keeping the boat on her feet is very efficient for the reasons David has mentioned. If you are sailing with more than 3 degrees of weather helm you need to adjust your sails. A lot of skippers measure and mark the wheel for this purpose. BTY whith the Admiral aboard this is standing orders.
I love it
David H. you nailed it. Only one member (girlfriend) was screaming and to be honest, I got a little nervous(but I do love that heel). My first bigger wind expirence. Thanks to everyone, having my girlfriend read this will sooth some of her pain. Thanks
David H. you nailed it. Only one member (girlfriend) was screaming and to be honest, I got a little nervous(but I do love that heel). My first bigger wind expirence. Thanks to everyone, having my girlfriend read this will sooth some of her pain. Thanks
less is more
sailing dreams have ended because one partner doesn't like the degree of heel.... The object is not to scare the crew, but to sail as fast as reasonable. Reef, ease the main sheet, and you will go faster and go farther as a couple. (You guys who say the "Admiral" doesn't like the heel... do you really think you are ever going on a long distance cruise? She can't stand one afternoon, why would she sign up for 2 years or more? Men!)
sailing dreams have ended because one partner doesn't like the degree of heel.... The object is not to scare the crew, but to sail as fast as reasonable. Reef, ease the main sheet, and you will go faster and go farther as a couple. (You guys who say the "Admiral" doesn't like the heel... do you really think you are ever going on a long distance cruise? She can't stand one afternoon, why would she sign up for 2 years or more? Men!)
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