Hi All: I am a late starter in life to sailing and quite frankly, need some suggestions on where to begin. 1st... .Hunter specific: I have just aquired a Hunter 22, that is in simply wonderful condition. Question: Where can I go to find out the basics on this boat such as how to put up / down the mast (I need to pass under 2 bridges to get out of port before putting up the mast) ? Are 'owners manuals available' ? I've 'test' put up / down the mast, but there must be a better way than what I've done...A lot of muscle to raise... then I thought I was going overboard a couple of times off the side trying to keep the mast from sideways stressing the mast mount until my wife got the mast cables atttached to the deck. Is there someway to secure the mast (from tipping side to side) while it is being raised ? The previous owner never had a need to raise / lower the mast so he could not offer any suggestions. Next... sailing in general: Although the boat is in FL, I live in the Boston area. What recommendations can you offer / how does one go about affiliating themselves with people that are willing to teach sailing from ground zero ??? Basically... where do I begin ? A book ? A Hunter Owners group in the area ? Professional sailing lessons ? Sailing Clubs ??? Any help and suggestion is welcome. Although I am pretty mechanically inclined, I am a complete 'newby' to this activity. Thank you all kindly; Jim (Boston MA, Marco Island FL)
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Steve O.
welcome
We were all beginners at one time. I would go to the library and read every book you can find about sailing. Maybe get a subscription to a sailing magazine. Hang out at the docks and don't be afraid to ask other sailors for advice, they are usually more than willing to share their expertise. Search the HOW archives for advice about mast raising and any other questions you have; if no hits appear then post your ?s and you will gets lot's of good advice here. Good luck, you're going to love it. Marco is a beautiful place.
We were all beginners at one time. I would go to the library and read every book you can find about sailing. Maybe get a subscription to a sailing magazine. Hang out at the docks and don't be afraid to ask other sailors for advice, they are usually more than willing to share their expertise. Search the HOW archives for advice about mast raising and any other questions you have; if no hits appear then post your ?s and you will gets lot's of good advice here. Good luck, you're going to love it. Marco is a beautiful place.
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Jay Williams
Read, read, sail sail.
Jim, Welcome to sailing! I agree that magazine subscriptions will help. (Sail, Cruising World, Sailing, Trailor Sailor) Also, investigate sailboat racing in your area. Many times Skippers are looking for crews for races. Some don't rquire ANY experience. For an example of what I mean, check out a local paper in Annapolis, MD called Spinsheet. You can also see them at www.spinsheet.com You will learn fast crewing in a race. And alot of FUN! The internet has a lot to offer also, just search around. Good luck, Jay
Jim, Welcome to sailing! I agree that magazine subscriptions will help. (Sail, Cruising World, Sailing, Trailor Sailor) Also, investigate sailboat racing in your area. Many times Skippers are looking for crews for races. Some don't rquire ANY experience. For an example of what I mean, check out a local paper in Annapolis, MD called Spinsheet. You can also see them at www.spinsheet.com You will learn fast crewing in a race. And alot of FUN! The internet has a lot to offer also, just search around. Good luck, Jay
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Russell Egge
Community Boating in Boston
You live in Boston but your boat in in FL! You even have a longer "commute" than me (Acton, MA to WIckford RI) If you are in Boston, try community boating on the Charles, near the Hatch shell. Great place to learn. RREgge S/V Allie Kat
You live in Boston but your boat in in FL! You even have a longer "commute" than me (Acton, MA to WIckford RI) If you are in Boston, try community boating on the Charles, near the Hatch shell. Great place to learn. RREgge S/V Allie Kat
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Craig Coffman
Ways to raise the mast
There was an article years ago in Sail magazine. I'm sure it wasn't the first or last to describe how to rig a trailer sailer's mast for easy raising & lowering. Search around on-line I'm sure you'll find it. Basically, you use the boom as a lever & the main sheet & it's blocks as the muscle to either raise or lower. You rig some line as temporary "stays" from the end of the boom back to the chainplates to keep the mast from going side to side (it will still wobble a bit). This works great if the mast has a hinged step. If not you must cut/round the base of the mast to allow it pivot. I don't know what the H22 has. I did this years ago on my family's Clipper Marine 27. My father (not a handy guy) wouldn't let me rig it 'cause it involved cutting the mast. After the first time he & my brother tried to raise it without me & dropped the mast & bent the stern rail, he was all for it. There should be various similiar ways to accomplish this documented all over. It is a common problem. -- Craig Coffman S/V "Winds of Change"
There was an article years ago in Sail magazine. I'm sure it wasn't the first or last to describe how to rig a trailer sailer's mast for easy raising & lowering. Search around on-line I'm sure you'll find it. Basically, you use the boom as a lever & the main sheet & it's blocks as the muscle to either raise or lower. You rig some line as temporary "stays" from the end of the boom back to the chainplates to keep the mast from going side to side (it will still wobble a bit). This works great if the mast has a hinged step. If not you must cut/round the base of the mast to allow it pivot. I don't know what the H22 has. I did this years ago on my family's Clipper Marine 27. My father (not a handy guy) wouldn't let me rig it 'cause it involved cutting the mast. After the first time he & my brother tried to raise it without me & dropped the mast & bent the stern rail, he was all for it. There should be various similiar ways to accomplish this documented all over. It is a common problem. -- Craig Coffman S/V "Winds of Change"
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Ward Niffenegger
A couple of thoughts
Welcome... For learning, you might consider the United States Power Squadron USPS if they are active in your area. While they do not teach sailing specifically, they teach much about safe boating and general things you need to know. Most USPS squadrons have many sailors that you can network with and learn from. If you contact Hunter factory, they will sell you a copy of the owners manual for your boat. The charge is around $15 and well worth it. For keeping the mast from going sideways, there are many techniques that can be used. A search of the archives will give you some. In the Photo Forum on this site, I have a Mast Raising Tripod that I built for my h23 that would work for your model as well. It sure works well for me, but certainly isn't the only way to do it. Good Luck and Keep asking questions. This site has sure helped me get a jump-start when I was learning to sail. Ward
Welcome... For learning, you might consider the United States Power Squadron USPS if they are active in your area. While they do not teach sailing specifically, they teach much about safe boating and general things you need to know. Most USPS squadrons have many sailors that you can network with and learn from. If you contact Hunter factory, they will sell you a copy of the owners manual for your boat. The charge is around $15 and well worth it. For keeping the mast from going sideways, there are many techniques that can be used. A search of the archives will give you some. In the Photo Forum on this site, I have a Mast Raising Tripod that I built for my h23 that would work for your model as well. It sure works well for me, but certainly isn't the only way to do it. Good Luck and Keep asking questions. This site has sure helped me get a jump-start when I was learning to sail. Ward
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Joel
Learning and racing
Boston offers a couple of sailing schools/clubs you can investigate. A couple have you learning on the Charles and others out in the harbor. Search on the web or in the phone book or even in the Globe for info. ANother approach is to drop by one of the yacht clubs in the area. Many of them have weekly race series where someone is always looking for crew. Up on the North Shore, Jubilee Yacht Club (in Beverly) races on Thursday nights, and Boston Yacht Club (in Marblehead) races on Wednesday. Most have soem type of get together after the race where you can drop by, find out if anyone needs crew, etc. Don't get discouraged if some crews turn you away. There's always some boat out there who needs extra crew and are willing to help teach. The attached link will give you a few places to check out for both schools and yacht clubs. Go get wet.
Boston offers a couple of sailing schools/clubs you can investigate. A couple have you learning on the Charles and others out in the harbor. Search on the web or in the phone book or even in the Globe for info. ANother approach is to drop by one of the yacht clubs in the area. Many of them have weekly race series where someone is always looking for crew. Up on the North Shore, Jubilee Yacht Club (in Beverly) races on Thursday nights, and Boston Yacht Club (in Marblehead) races on Wednesday. Most have soem type of get together after the race where you can drop by, find out if anyone needs crew, etc. Don't get discouraged if some crews turn you away. There's always some boat out there who needs extra crew and are willing to help teach. The attached link will give you a few places to check out for both schools and yacht clubs. Go get wet.
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Jeff Davis
ASA
The American Sailing Association has a full course of instruction which is the way I started. I recommend it. You can check it out at www.asa.com Good luck and welcome to a great sport.
The American Sailing Association has a full course of instruction which is the way I started. I recommend it. You can check it out at www.asa.com Good luck and welcome to a great sport.
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Andy Komorowski
A great Little Boat
Hi Jim. My wife and I have enjoyed our '82 H22 for 12 years now. It was our first sailboat, we've kept it in mint shape and we've never had the desire up-size. We've equipped it with all the goodies, autohelm, bimini, roller furling, etc. We're in our upper 60's and it's easy to handle....except for mast stepping. We've been where you are. Friendly folks came running to help me and wife catch the mast as it came off center crashing down onto me in the cockpit with one foot on the seat, the other in a pail..... Our first experience 12 years ago! It was with lowering. We bought the boat already rigged and in a marina slip. No.1- Always attach the standing rigging upper and lower side shrouds and back stay BEFORE lifting the mast. If you notice that the chainplates are in line laterally with the mast hinge, you can raise up the mast with the side stays quite snug- to keep the mast from swaying from side to side, making sure the turnbucke 'T" bolts swivel freely or they will bend and have to be replaced, as we've all done. I could go on through the proceedure in copy, but it would only be too confusing . You MUST get hands on instruction. There's so many simple ways to handle mast stepping with the addition of a gin pole or tripod. The newer trailored Hunters are equipped with these. Check thm out in the archives. We also believe the best prceedure for learning to sail your boat is having someone come out with you and gently walking you through the "hands on", not too technical proceedures of a good day sail. To us, the absolute best of all sailing books is the "Annapolis Book of Seamanship" available at any bookstore or library. Good luck to you, May your Gibes be Gentle, Anne and Andy, S/V Super-K
Hi Jim. My wife and I have enjoyed our '82 H22 for 12 years now. It was our first sailboat, we've kept it in mint shape and we've never had the desire up-size. We've equipped it with all the goodies, autohelm, bimini, roller furling, etc. We're in our upper 60's and it's easy to handle....except for mast stepping. We've been where you are. Friendly folks came running to help me and wife catch the mast as it came off center crashing down onto me in the cockpit with one foot on the seat, the other in a pail..... Our first experience 12 years ago! It was with lowering. We bought the boat already rigged and in a marina slip. No.1- Always attach the standing rigging upper and lower side shrouds and back stay BEFORE lifting the mast. If you notice that the chainplates are in line laterally with the mast hinge, you can raise up the mast with the side stays quite snug- to keep the mast from swaying from side to side, making sure the turnbucke 'T" bolts swivel freely or they will bend and have to be replaced, as we've all done. I could go on through the proceedure in copy, but it would only be too confusing . You MUST get hands on instruction. There's so many simple ways to handle mast stepping with the addition of a gin pole or tripod. The newer trailored Hunters are equipped with these. Check thm out in the archives. We also believe the best prceedure for learning to sail your boat is having someone come out with you and gently walking you through the "hands on", not too technical proceedures of a good day sail. To us, the absolute best of all sailing books is the "Annapolis Book of Seamanship" available at any bookstore or library. Good luck to you, May your Gibes be Gentle, Anne and Andy, S/V Super-K
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Jim
Thanks for the info !!!!
Thank you all for the great info so far ! Wonderful ! Couple of questions... Sailing Crew / racing: This sounds like a wonderful idea to learn... but again... I think the only thing I have to offer at this point on a crew is muscle (which may be both good and bad) and willingness to learn / help. Mast Raising: Andy provided a great response in how he raises the mast on his H22. I do not know the names of the various rigging components yet... so please excuse ! I found that I could not lower the mast (even with both side stay cables loose) unless I fully disconnected the upper and lower stays from the deck plate. On my H22, the upper and lower stay cables were attached to the same 'dbl' deck plate. It seems that by looking at the location of the dbl deck plate, that it is aft of the mast pivot an inch or so, thus the mast could not pivot on the forward mast pin with the cables still attached (due to the arc that the masy makes when pivoting over the front mast pin). I noticed that forward of that dbl deck plate, on each side of the boat, there is another deck plate. this plate is in line with the front pin on the mast base. My theory is that this plate is where the lower mast side cables should attach to (either perm, or temp when raising / lowering the mast). This forward deck plate is also mounted 90 degress from the oriantation of the dbl mount deck plate. It seems the mast would pivot forward with lower cables attached if the lower cables were attached to this forward plate. Does this make any sense to those whom are familiar with the H22 ? Anyway... I return to Macro Island (from Boston) in another 3 weeks, hopefully with some new 'tricks' to try out on 'stepping' the mast. My home there is on the water, but 2 low bridges mean mast stepping (on the way out and in) from the ocean will have to become a comman thing for me. Thanks again all for the support; Jim Dunlea Boston Ma, Marco Island, FL
Thank you all for the great info so far ! Wonderful ! Couple of questions... Sailing Crew / racing: This sounds like a wonderful idea to learn... but again... I think the only thing I have to offer at this point on a crew is muscle (which may be both good and bad) and willingness to learn / help. Mast Raising: Andy provided a great response in how he raises the mast on his H22. I do not know the names of the various rigging components yet... so please excuse ! I found that I could not lower the mast (even with both side stay cables loose) unless I fully disconnected the upper and lower stays from the deck plate. On my H22, the upper and lower stay cables were attached to the same 'dbl' deck plate. It seems that by looking at the location of the dbl deck plate, that it is aft of the mast pivot an inch or so, thus the mast could not pivot on the forward mast pin with the cables still attached (due to the arc that the masy makes when pivoting over the front mast pin). I noticed that forward of that dbl deck plate, on each side of the boat, there is another deck plate. this plate is in line with the front pin on the mast base. My theory is that this plate is where the lower mast side cables should attach to (either perm, or temp when raising / lowering the mast). This forward deck plate is also mounted 90 degress from the oriantation of the dbl mount deck plate. It seems the mast would pivot forward with lower cables attached if the lower cables were attached to this forward plate. Does this make any sense to those whom are familiar with the H22 ? Anyway... I return to Macro Island (from Boston) in another 3 weeks, hopefully with some new 'tricks' to try out on 'stepping' the mast. My home there is on the water, but 2 low bridges mean mast stepping (on the way out and in) from the ocean will have to become a comman thing for me. Thanks again all for the support; Jim Dunlea Boston Ma, Marco Island, FL
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Bill
Come on "Down Cape"
Jim, I've got a h22 that'll be in the water fairly soon. Once she's in, I'd be happy to take you out for a sail and show you around. I'm in Harwich Port, which is fairly close to Boston. Let me know if this appeals- Best, Bill
Jim, I've got a h22 that'll be in the water fairly soon. Once she's in, I'd be happy to take you out for a sail and show you around. I'm in Harwich Port, which is fairly close to Boston. Let me know if this appeals- Best, Bill
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Jim
Reply to Bill on Cape
Hi Bill: I'm not sure if this forum let's you e-mail to people that made a response... so for now I just have to enter new posts as responses. That is a super offer to see your H22 ! The old "I show... you do" is worth a 100 books. I have a buddy whom's parents summer in Harwhich port and winter down Naples FL (that's how i discovered Marco Is... on a visit to them in Naples). Perhaps I can kill two birdies with one stone and pay them a social call one day. Keep in mind... I am totally 100% new to this activity. Even the most basic things such as names of components of the sail boat I do not know. You might find it all too elementary (read....boring). Perhaps someday I can return the favor down FL.... there is a H22 tied up down there that you proberbly know your way around all too well !. Jim Dunlea jim.dunlea@shaws.com
Hi Bill: I'm not sure if this forum let's you e-mail to people that made a response... so for now I just have to enter new posts as responses. That is a super offer to see your H22 ! The old "I show... you do" is worth a 100 books. I have a buddy whom's parents summer in Harwhich port and winter down Naples FL (that's how i discovered Marco Is... on a visit to them in Naples). Perhaps I can kill two birdies with one stone and pay them a social call one day. Keep in mind... I am totally 100% new to this activity. Even the most basic things such as names of components of the sail boat I do not know. You might find it all too elementary (read....boring). Perhaps someday I can return the favor down FL.... there is a H22 tied up down there that you proberbly know your way around all too well !. Jim Dunlea jim.dunlea@shaws.com
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Andy Komorowski
Andy again.
Jim- The mast pivots on the -REAR- hinge pin towards the REAR- of the boat to the down position. That's why the upper and lower cables pivot so nicely staying attached to the double deck plates that are as you saw, behind the hinge point. Also that's why you can keep the rear cable (backstay) connected. There's only one cable to disconnect, the front one (headstay). My boat doesn't have any other deck plates as you stated was on yours. Again... The mast is laid down to rest with the top of the mast to the rear of the boat on the supplied cradle that fits into the rudder attachment brackets (pintels) for transportation. The rudder will have to be removed before using the mast cradle. After the mast is down the rear (pivoting) hinge pin is pulled out and the whole mast is lifted up (one person can do this) and moved FOWARD so that the bottom of the mast (hinge plate) rests into the "U" shape of the bow rail/pulpit on the front of the boat, But you probably already know this. One more time...The mast swings down to the rear of the boat. ....Anytime, Andy
Jim- The mast pivots on the -REAR- hinge pin towards the REAR- of the boat to the down position. That's why the upper and lower cables pivot so nicely staying attached to the double deck plates that are as you saw, behind the hinge point. Also that's why you can keep the rear cable (backstay) connected. There's only one cable to disconnect, the front one (headstay). My boat doesn't have any other deck plates as you stated was on yours. Again... The mast is laid down to rest with the top of the mast to the rear of the boat on the supplied cradle that fits into the rudder attachment brackets (pintels) for transportation. The rudder will have to be removed before using the mast cradle. After the mast is down the rear (pivoting) hinge pin is pulled out and the whole mast is lifted up (one person can do this) and moved FOWARD so that the bottom of the mast (hinge plate) rests into the "U" shape of the bow rail/pulpit on the front of the boat, But you probably already know this. One more time...The mast swings down to the rear of the boat. ....Anytime, Andy
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Jim
Back to Andy again...
So the mast drops aftward..... Boy..... I really feel like a dope !!! Talk about doing it the hard way !!! I was pivoting the mast forward !!!! I thought that the 'U' shaped indent in the bow pulpit was a 'reciver' to allow the mast to drop into while lowering it with the mast still attached by the front mast pin. By pivoting it forward I had to disconnect all the stay cables. When I aquired the boat 2 weeks ago my boat did not come with a mast support and the orig owner did not know how the mast goes up / down as it was not an issue for him. I will review closely the instructions you wrote and see if I fully understand. I will be trying this mast thing again in about 2 weeks (return to FL)... unfort by myself next time ! Thanks again; Jim Dunlea jim.dunlea@shaws.com
So the mast drops aftward..... Boy..... I really feel like a dope !!! Talk about doing it the hard way !!! I was pivoting the mast forward !!!! I thought that the 'U' shaped indent in the bow pulpit was a 'reciver' to allow the mast to drop into while lowering it with the mast still attached by the front mast pin. By pivoting it forward I had to disconnect all the stay cables. When I aquired the boat 2 weeks ago my boat did not come with a mast support and the orig owner did not know how the mast goes up / down as it was not an issue for him. I will review closely the instructions you wrote and see if I fully understand. I will be trying this mast thing again in about 2 weeks (return to FL)... unfort by myself next time ! Thanks again; Jim Dunlea jim.dunlea@shaws.com
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Chuck
Ahoy!!
I frequent Lovell Island (Boston)during the summer. Anchor offshore and picnic. If you see a 22 called "SHANNON",It's me. It's not fun trying to raise the mast. I attach the shrouds and backstay first, walk the mast aft while my son sets the hinge pin, I heave up and he pulls the forestay until it's up. I've made some mods to my boat. 1) got rid of sink and installed new cabinet and ladder. (never used the sink once) 2) Moved electrical panel from stbd bunk to above port rear bunk with VHF and Emergency stuff handy. Next a bimini. BoatUS had one I was able to modify for use on the 22. My latest venture is a wheel steering setup that won't cost more than I paid for the boat. Happy Sailing!
I frequent Lovell Island (Boston)during the summer. Anchor offshore and picnic. If you see a 22 called "SHANNON",It's me. It's not fun trying to raise the mast. I attach the shrouds and backstay first, walk the mast aft while my son sets the hinge pin, I heave up and he pulls the forestay until it's up. I've made some mods to my boat. 1) got rid of sink and installed new cabinet and ladder. (never used the sink once) 2) Moved electrical panel from stbd bunk to above port rear bunk with VHF and Emergency stuff handy. Next a bimini. BoatUS had one I was able to modify for use on the 22. My latest venture is a wheel steering setup that won't cost more than I paid for the boat. Happy Sailing!
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