HUNTER 27 Edge above 20 knts

[JPDEG]

Hello,

I own a HUNTER 27 edge for one year and I experienced great difficulties sailing with it under winds above 20 knts.

Even after reducing the mainsail and the Jib, my boat exhibits a lot of drift and it is almost impossible in such conditions to gain upwind.

I am now considering that there is perhaps a problem with the centerboat that would would come up by itself ins such conditions...?

Could HUNTER 27 edge owners share with me their experience in serious-strong winds?

Thanks a lot in advance

Jean-Pierre

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

It has been some time since I introduced this boat for Hunter and sailed it in strong winds on the Pamlico Sound of North Carolina so I am not up to date.

First, what engine is on board the boat. Secondly the centerboard uphaul line is I believe is on the starboard topside deck for winching up. I do not think there is a locking pin or locking downhaul line for the rudder. Please advise.

Is the boat in the water all the time or on the trailer. If in the water, is it salt water and is the boat bottom painted with anti fouling paint? Is there any build up in the centerboard trunk housing for example barnacles, seaweed, and so forth.

Your concern is for the centerboard. If on a trailer, mark where the uphaul line comes to the winch and when down, how far has that line traveled? Do you hear a klunking sound when the centerboard goes all the way down?

Please respond to the best of your abilities as you are asking about the centerboard whether or not it is up or down.

Also, if the centerboard is coming up under sail, you should notice slack in the uphaul line. Also, how far do you heel over when sailing? Then we can go from there.

 

[JPDEG]

First, what engine is on board the boat. ** Evinrude 75CV E-Tech

Secondly the centerboard uphaul line is I believe is on the starboard topside deck for winching up. ** YES

I do not think there is a locking pin or locking downhaul line for the rudder. Unfortunately, ** NO

Is the boat in the water all the time or on the trailer. **Boat is in salt water from June to December. Has received a bottom anti fouling paint, but not on the upper part of the rudder (the rudder was only 3/4 down when on earth due to limited height between boat and ground).

Is there any build up in the centerboard trunk housing for example barnacles, seaweed, and so forth. ** Did not see for the upper part. I will swim under the boat within 2 weeks and have a look at it.

If on a trailer, mark where the uphaul line comes to the winch and when down, how far has that line traveled? * I will mark the line at mooring with centerboard fully down.


Do you hear a klunking sound when the centerboard goes all the way down? ** YES, and I hear that sound also at mooring ;-)


Also, if the centerboard is coming up under sail, you should notice slack in the uphaul line. ** When facing strong winds, i am at the helm... and thus did not have a look at it. I'll manage to do it next time.

Also, how far do you heel over whensailing? ** I heel over quite far with strong winds, even after reducing main sail and jib. I should maybe point less to the wind.

What is your recommended angle to the wind for moderate and stronger winds?

Note: The centerboard is the last idea I got after having tuned the rigging and added a winch on the mast to further pull on the main sail and jib halyards.

Thanks a lot for your answer.

Jean-Pierre

 

[ben solomon]

I sailed a Chrysler mutineer for many years. I had similar issues, albeit that boat is much smaller than yours. Dave is giving you great advice on the center board, etc.

My questions for you are:

How old are your sails?
Is your main loose footed or not?
How many reefing points on your main?

Ben

 

[JPDEG]

Ben,

My sails are 7 years old but seem in good shape.

My main sail is full batten and loose footed . (I have however put already as much tension as possible on the outhaul and the main halyard througyh my (new) mast winch).

I have one (quite high) reefing point on my sail, equivalent to a second reefing point.

 

[ben solomon]

I got new sails for my boat and the performance improved dramatically. I completely underestimated the contribution of old sails to poor performance. The issue with loose footed mains is the lack of control of the center of the sail.

I had the same style reef point as you do.

Ben

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

I had asked when lowering the centerboard down, do you hear any sound as if the forward leading edge of the centerboard might be hitting anything, not the side to side klunking sound?

You Quoted " I heel over quite far with strong winds." Remember this is a power sailor with an Evinrude E tech 75 on the back. When I refer power sailor, the hull is designed as a planning hull for motoring fast with that engine and then the design also incorporates a displacement hull found on sailboats. Therefore, the dynamics of sailing are different from a true displacement sailboat hull in that the hull is flatter. Therefore, I do not suggest heeling over 12-14 degrees with this boat in light air as well as strong winds. I learned that from sailing on the Pamlico Sound with that boat. That may be a major issue why you are not keeping the boat under control. In addition you may want to reduce sail area in stronger winds. Not sure how strong winds you are talking about.

Let me know about the centerboard uphaul line and the klunking sound of any kind from the leading edge of the centerboard hitting anything.