Ocean Cruising on a 240

[Tim Smith]

O.k., I've asked about cruising on the Great Lakes. Thanks to everyone who responded. Now I'd like to know if anyone has some suggestions for good coastal cruising trips on a 240. I'd love to take mine out on the ocean but my experience lies mainly with midwest lake cruising.Any advice or past experiences would be appreciated.Thanks.timMo~Be~Ma

 

[Alan Long]

Virginia Inside Passage

I've always wanted to do this trip along the Atlantic Coast of the Virginia eastern shore. The water can be quite shallow, but the place is supposed to be just gorgeous with very light boat traffic.

 

[Carl]

Hawks Channel

The Florida keys have to be the best place for cruising on the 240. Suzi and I spent a week cruising up and down, inside and out the keys last year. Always close to a marina to resupply the ice and beer and I guess food too. Yet at the same time having the feeling of being detached from the rest of the world. I guess what I'm trying to say is protected waters in wide open spaces, do yourself a favor and come check it out.  Carl & Suzi h240 Relentless

 

[John]

Read Above

Read the post called, H37C Capsize Screen," and go to the link where you can calculate the capsize screen for the h240. It comes out at 2.50 which is not a good number for ocean sailing. Recommendations are for a number of 2.0 or less. Does this mean it can't be done? Of course not. It just means that there are other boats more suited to that type of sailing. Good Luck

 

[Frank Ladd]

Great Coastal Cruiser

These boats are great coastal cruisers. You'll alsways want to take the inside passage if it is rough outside or storms are predicted on the forecast. The winds at the coast are more predictable and staedy most of the time but keep an eye out for bad weather and watch your chart for shoals and the waves they can cause. Places like Cafe Fear and the Graveyard of the Atlantic got names like that for a reason.

 

[David Smith]

no way

After 30 years of cruising and racing, both inshore and offshore, there's no way I'd take my 240 offshore. It may be OK in protected waters, but in open waters would be downright dangerous. Perhaps the sailing conditions in your areas may be different.Good luck if you venture too far.

 

[Wayne]

240 Cruise

It is all in the definition of off-shore sailing. Conditions can change quickly no matter what they forecast (guess) so like all things you need to plan for that. Off-shore blue water and days away from a harbor, no way (not designed for it not intended for it), off-shore and be within hours of a harbor yes way (and done many times). Have done it in boats a lot smaller than 240's. Just the other weekend headed off James town RI in the 240 on the same tack for several hours, Azores here I come, pure heaven. Left early am, turned around at noon, winds stiffend as expected and in at point Judith on dusk. Had block as backup harbor, sailed the area many time and would not be comming in to new areas after dark etc. Yes, there are some places on the east coast not even "off-shore" where I do not want to put myself or my boat. also need to have time on your hands and not be in a rush to get somewhere and head off when the conditions are not right. Plan well and enjoy your adventures.