We have had a few wonderful days with our 272 refurb project! We have redone most of the boat, and we are sailing it every weekend. The boat performs well! We even gained acknowledgment from several sailors after they joined our tack close astern and were unable to keep up with us. We got a big thumbs up for our performance!
Last week, we were joined by 2 larger boats, a 30 and a 33. After 3 tacks to Windward across the lake, we were nearly a full span of the lake ahead! This was after starting with both boats almost abreast of us.
I am impressed at how well the 272 points to windward. I had heard they don't do that well, due to the shoal draft keel. She does like to heel. I find 12-15 degrees heel works well in 5-10 knots of wind, even if I have to induce the heel a little at times. It is tempting to not adjust the traveler, due to its poor design, but the boat will certainly not point as high without the traveler to windward.
Later, we anchored and swam for an hour. Seneca has beautiful 86 degree water. There was a bit of current, so I think I will rig a drag line like on dive boats for swimmers to grab.
Overall, coming from a C22, this boat is exactly what I wanted. It performs well enough to be exciting. It has the room in the cockpit and cabin. It has good stability, even if it likes to heel. The mainsheet cleat and traveler systems are my only complaints. I have redone the mainsheet, and it works great. I will be redoing the traveler soon. In spite of those two shortcomings in the original design, I would definitely recommend this boat in the 27 ft category.
I dream of finishing the interior, so we can start sleeping-over!
Thanks,
Andrew
Last week, we were joined by 2 larger boats, a 30 and a 33. After 3 tacks to Windward across the lake, we were nearly a full span of the lake ahead! This was after starting with both boats almost abreast of us.
I am impressed at how well the 272 points to windward. I had heard they don't do that well, due to the shoal draft keel. She does like to heel. I find 12-15 degrees heel works well in 5-10 knots of wind, even if I have to induce the heel a little at times. It is tempting to not adjust the traveler, due to its poor design, but the boat will certainly not point as high without the traveler to windward.
Later, we anchored and swam for an hour. Seneca has beautiful 86 degree water. There was a bit of current, so I think I will rig a drag line like on dive boats for swimmers to grab.
Overall, coming from a C22, this boat is exactly what I wanted. It performs well enough to be exciting. It has the room in the cockpit and cabin. It has good stability, even if it likes to heel. The mainsheet cleat and traveler systems are my only complaints. I have redone the mainsheet, and it works great. I will be redoing the traveler soon. In spite of those two shortcomings in the original design, I would definitely recommend this boat in the 27 ft category.
I dream of finishing the interior, so we can start sleeping-over!
Thanks,
Andrew