H26 and the Ocean!
Hi Norman, The Boat Specs. page on HOW says that the H26 hull speed is 6.4 kts. That's determined with the wetted surface of the boat being normal due to minimal weight and full water ballast on board. Off the wind, on a beam to broad reach, w/seas on the stern quarter to following, surfing will reduce the contact and friction of the water. Speed will exceed the specs. A good helmsman can work the tiller, balance the boat, the aparent wind and not broach. I've been able to sustain hull speed at 6.4 with a 9.9 outboard. I'm sure that an 8hp could do this on flat water. Whether the H26 is being able to sail on the ocean is dependant on the expectation of the sailors, on board. Yes, of course it can, but you have to make it WORK. The tolerance level of a cruiseing captain and the confidence that he has in his boat will determine how far out he goes. Some people have balls of steel and are able to stay cool and keep things in one piece while others will get rattled and make mistakes. I would suggest that the H26 is a good coastal cruiser that is very stable until the wind really starts to blow and then I'd find shelter, but I'm a family man and I don't want to take any unnecessary risks, just for the buzz. If you use good judgement and understand the weather, as it approaches, the 26 will get you home. Off shore sailing, by my standards, requires more waterline, a fixed keel and a mast that reaches down to it. Even then, don't forget the EPERB (I used to be in the CG). Of course I love your next question. The Catalina 25 uses some of the caracteristics of the H26 hull, but it's a lot smaller. The rig is very different, however. The Catalina has nice tackel but it is conventional. The 26 uses minimal quality tackel but it is sufficient for the task. The 7/8 B&R rig with the high aspect full battened main really drives the boat and will leave the Catalina behind, boat for boat. But don't get too cocky because the skipper might know his boat better than you. I've learned a few things from, let's call them, those guys, but I had some fun discussing it afterwards (or at least they did!). Don't know how heavy the outboard is but I know that I can handle the 9.9 alone with effort. I'd ask for help if it was available. Estimate the 8hp weight to be around 90-100 lbs.(somebody will have the exact weight) The trailer weighs 900-1000 lbs. This boat trailers like a dream with the right vehicle. You want to have a long wheelbase and enough weight to pull it. The vehicle should weight as much as the boat. I use a 350 Chev V8 w/oil cooler, for the transmition, and drive 60 mph all day. It's big, it's long but it tracks beautifully and I've pulled it all over the country. That's how I see it, and I sail W/B, H26, "CNTRL SEA" Larry Barnes
