I bought this 1981 Hunter 22 and found out that the mast is taller than original (approximately 2 feet) and the sail has H25 on it. I raised the sails on the trailer in my yard but haven't tried it on water Oh! and I've never sailed before. Is this modification a problem?
Is taller mast and bigger sails a problem?
- Thread starter jimboh22
- Start date
It sounds like the original mast was destroyed and replaced by a longer and much larger sail than necessary for that boat. Just be cautious in high wind.
All small boats are going to be more sensitive to wind than the larger ones you see or read about; yours will be even more tippy. Based on the specifications on this site, that sail area difference actually converts to about 16% more force over your head (256 sq. ft. for a H26 versus 220 sq. ft for a H22). The keel (thus the righting force against the tipping impact of the sail), was designed for the original sail area. I suggest that you start out in wind speeds under 10 knots (no whitecaps on the water) and with a reef to reduce sail area. Ask around, or on here, how to put in a reef for your particular sail. I've found for all complex sports (golf, skiiing, etc.) that a few lessons will not only make it more fun, but also keep you and your family safer. There's nothing more frustrating than getting dunked a few times and not knowing what you're doing wrong. Take some lessons and good luck.
Thanks for the replies. The guy who sold me the boat told me he would help me learn to sail the boat LOL. I can't get in touch with him. So I just bought another 1981 hunter 22. It's sounds crazy I know but the second boat is in better shape except for mast is boated at foot. I'm thinking about cutting down the longer mast to fit correct sails.
You could consider leaving the long mast but use the correct sails. Seems to me that the main would be OK (correct height, assuming boom is about right) - you would just have 2 ft of extra mast above the main's head. Is the 22 (and your "foreign" mast) a fractional rig? If so, the headstay may be about the same height, or maybe a foot higher, than the proper H22 setup - using the correct jib (smaller area) but a bit higher off the deck than normal may not matter much.
If you cut it down, think about what to do with the stays which will then be too long.
If you cut it down, think about what to do with the stays which will then be too long.
Try it before you cut it down! It may sail quite well with the extra sail area. I sail a tall rigged Catalina 250 and it works great! Chief
I agree with Chief. The Capri 22 is a sport version of the Catalina 22. One of the differences is a larger sail area.
You own the rare Hunter 22 racing version
You own the rare Hunter 22 racing version
:For general information: a Catalina 250 tall mast (32') draws down 7.5' of sail with its top reefing system utilized. A taller mast is a great plus! Chief
The Catalina Capri 22 and Catalina 22 are different hulls. I use to sell them and race them as well. The Capri was designed for racing.