I currently have a Hunter 26 water ballasted boat and must admit it has been a pleasure to sail. We've not taken as many trips with it on the trailer as I'd thought we would originally, so it is left dockside for most of the season. With this in mind 2 footitess (OK 6 footitess) has set in and even the first mate is ready for more creature comforts. The 320 seems to fill the bill, but many of the old salts at our harbor tell me that a larger boat is alot more difficult to sail and dock single handed. Since I do alot of sailing by myself or with friends that don't know a halyard from a sheet, what advice would all of you single handers give. The jump I made many years back from a small daysailer to the H26 didn't seem to be a huge adjustment. The larger boat if anything allowed me a little more reaction time which accually made things easier. The docking did take a few weeks to become acustom to. Is the next step up more difficult than I expect? Comments please! "Festivity" H26
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Easy, with a little practice
Yuo qon't find it difficult to move up to handling a 32. Go out the first few times with other sailors on board the first few times and get used to the increased stopping distances etc. and you will do fine.
Yuo qon't find it difficult to move up to handling a 32. Go out the first few times with other sailors on board the first few times and get used to the increased stopping distances etc. and you will do fine.
Old salts lost their "brass ----"
I have a 27' however,have sailed a 30' without any problem. I agree that you should have a mate on board to help with rigging and docking.
I have a 27' however,have sailed a 30' without any problem. I agree that you should have a mate on board to help with rigging and docking.
Not worth their salt.
Jeff: We moved from a Hunter 25 to the Hunter 31 in 1986 and have never looked back. Other than hoisting the main sail everthing is actually eaiser. These boats have better winches, sail handling etc. As you say you have more time to react before you are in big trouble. I assume that you have a tiller and outboard? Using a wheel with the inboard beats that all to hell. I must assume that the boat you are looking at will have an arch and a roller furling which makes life a lot easier too. Just go for it.
Jeff: We moved from a Hunter 25 to the Hunter 31 in 1986 and have never looked back. Other than hoisting the main sail everthing is actually eaiser. These boats have better winches, sail handling etc. As you say you have more time to react before you are in big trouble. I assume that you have a tiller and outboard? Using a wheel with the inboard beats that all to hell. I must assume that the boat you are looking at will have an arch and a roller furling which makes life a lot easier too. Just go for it.
Go for it
Each time I've moved up I've had to make an adjustment. But each time they were easier to sail and manage. Have a 340 now, and sailed 40s in the Caribbean. Your next jump will be about as non-traumatic as your last. On the other hand, they aren't as neat to trailer, but if that isn't what you are doing anyway, go for the comforts that you'll find on the larger boat.
Each time I've moved up I've had to make an adjustment. But each time they were easier to sail and manage. Have a 340 now, and sailed 40s in the Caribbean. Your next jump will be about as non-traumatic as your last. On the other hand, they aren't as neat to trailer, but if that isn't what you are doing anyway, go for the comforts that you'll find on the larger boat.
You can handle it
If you are sailing a 26, a 32 won't take long for you to be comfortable with. I went from a Hobie 17 to a 89 H30. A lot to take in and learn but I am into my second season and feeling more comnfident all the time. I am even docking single handed. If you do move up and want to single hand I would highly recommend an auto pilot. -Doug
If you are sailing a 26, a 32 won't take long for you to be comfortable with. I went from a Hobie 17 to a 89 H30. A lot to take in and learn but I am into my second season and feeling more comnfident all the time. I am even docking single handed. If you do move up and want to single hand I would highly recommend an auto pilot. -Doug
Everyone here is right....
I single hand most of the time myself. Autopilot is a must have in my opinion so that I can run down to the refer and get a cold one. It also tacks on command so you can play crew and set the jib without having to be Houdini. Also, since I stand well under 6' I opted to simplify my life with the Selden furling main. It is a real treat. While many will diss it, it is a wonderful thing (IMHO). The UK sail that is cut for furling flies like a perfect wing so I can't imagine there is much if any performace loss. I passed a 29' C&C yesterday that was flying a chute! He was trimming this and that and I just sat in my cat seat sipping a cold one and waved as my autopilot in vane mode sailed on by (leeward to boot). I love technology! The autopilot unfortunately does not have a docking mode so I'm still good for something(LOL). As one said earlier, remember that the bigger the boat the greater the stopping distance so dock slowly to avoid adding the dock to your v-berth. I skid test mine in open water on buoys, mooring balls, beer cans, and fishing bobbers prior to a real dock. This imaginary docking exercise helps me "Be the Boat." The 320 is great boat (I think) for anybody particularly those who presently sail the H26
S/V Copa Cabana h320
I single hand most of the time myself. Autopilot is a must have in my opinion so that I can run down to the refer and get a cold one. It also tacks on command so you can play crew and set the jib without having to be Houdini. Also, since I stand well under 6' I opted to simplify my life with the Selden furling main. It is a real treat. While many will diss it, it is a wonderful thing (IMHO). The UK sail that is cut for furling flies like a perfect wing so I can't imagine there is much if any performace loss. I passed a 29' C&C yesterday that was flying a chute! He was trimming this and that and I just sat in my cat seat sipping a cold one and waved as my autopilot in vane mode sailed on by (leeward to boot). I love technology! The autopilot unfortunately does not have a docking mode so I'm still good for something(LOL). As one said earlier, remember that the bigger the boat the greater the stopping distance so dock slowly to avoid adding the dock to your v-berth. I skid test mine in open water on buoys, mooring balls, beer cans, and fishing bobbers prior to a real dock. This imaginary docking exercise helps me "Be the Boat." The 320 is great boat (I think) for anybody particularly those who presently sail the H26
S/V Copa Cabana h320Docking with ease
I find that docking my 320 is easier than docking my old 28. Of course I have the deep keel and this seems to minimize the amount of prop walk. I can stop the boat in the slip and jump off to tie up with no problems, this was very difficult to do with my 28 due to prop walk and certain wind conditions. I single hand a lot and don't have a problem with setting the jib, its just a different order than I used on my 28. Also the traveler on the arch is a must have, it makes it real easy to maintain speed and heeling. Especially in high winds. Regards. Bruce. Neon Moon
I find that docking my 320 is easier than docking my old 28. Of course I have the deep keel and this seems to minimize the amount of prop walk. I can stop the boat in the slip and jump off to tie up with no problems, this was very difficult to do with my 28 due to prop walk and certain wind conditions. I single hand a lot and don't have a problem with setting the jib, its just a different order than I used on my 28. Also the traveler on the arch is a must have, it makes it real easy to maintain speed and heeling. Especially in high winds. Regards. Bruce. Neon Moon
Hey Jeff........
Which harbor do you sail out of........I'm on the Mississippi, out of Sioux Harbor......If you would like to try a 30 ft to see if you like it, we could take mine out for a sail in a week or so when the current slows back down.
Which harbor do you sail out of........I'm on the Mississippi, out of Sioux Harbor......If you would like to try a 30 ft to see if you like it, we could take mine out for a sail in a week or so when the current slows back down.
Hey Eric
We keep our boat at the south end of Carlyle Lake (West Access Marina). The water level is way up right now. This saturday we had a tornado scare. The sirens only gave us about 3-4 min. warning. Winds up to 50 gusting near 80 mph. Luckily most everyone was off the lake when the storm hit. However all the docks had some damage. I am used to lake sailing. Does the Mississippi river current make things alot more difficult for you? What about floating debris? "Festivity" H26
We keep our boat at the south end of Carlyle Lake (West Access Marina). The water level is way up right now. This saturday we had a tornado scare. The sirens only gave us about 3-4 min. warning. Winds up to 50 gusting near 80 mph. Luckily most everyone was off the lake when the storm hit. However all the docks had some damage. I am used to lake sailing. Does the Mississippi river current make things alot more difficult for you? What about floating debris? "Festivity" H26
Jeff....
I was at Carlyle Lake on Saturday, crewing on a J-80 (Javalina) .... We finished the first race just as the storm hit and we ducked into CSA docks and used their pavillion to eat lunch until the storm cleared. They were expecting more bad weather so they cancelled the second race. The river has been good all spring.....little or no current. Now, when it should be light current, we are getting a lot of water coming down from Iowa and norther Illinois, and we have been getting rain as well. So, we will have to be careful for a week or two. It didn't keep us from racing our 16 ft. dinghys on Sunday afternoon. We have a 'Comet' fleet at Valley Sailing Association and had a blast on Sunday. E-mail me and when the river goes down, we will take out the 30 ftr. eric.j.waldschmidt@boeing.com
I was at Carlyle Lake on Saturday, crewing on a J-80 (Javalina) .... We finished the first race just as the storm hit and we ducked into CSA docks and used their pavillion to eat lunch until the storm cleared. They were expecting more bad weather so they cancelled the second race. The river has been good all spring.....little or no current. Now, when it should be light current, we are getting a lot of water coming down from Iowa and norther Illinois, and we have been getting rain as well. So, we will have to be careful for a week or two. It didn't keep us from racing our 16 ft. dinghys on Sunday afternoon. We have a 'Comet' fleet at Valley Sailing Association and had a blast on Sunday. E-mail me and when the river goes down, we will take out the 30 ftr. eric.j.waldschmidt@boeing.com
Relativity
Jeff, My first step up was from a 20' to my 25.5' 10 years ago. After a few days, I no longer felt I was on a bigger boat. I've sailed lots of other boats up to 44' and it just takes getting used to the different systems and feel. Sailing another boat, even one of the same size, does require some preparation, learning and practice which is a good excuse to get in some extra sailing time! My last large boat sail was a charter on a 37' Tartan on the Chesapeake last fall. By halfway across the bay I was right at home and had a superb trip. For more assurance, you might consider one of the Bareboat Charter Certification courses. This will cram a lot of experience and knowledge into a few days and give you confidence in handling the different systems on a larger boat, not to mention the capability of going on a charter vacation. Dick Vance H-25.5 "Honey Bear"
Jeff, My first step up was from a 20' to my 25.5' 10 years ago. After a few days, I no longer felt I was on a bigger boat. I've sailed lots of other boats up to 44' and it just takes getting used to the different systems and feel. Sailing another boat, even one of the same size, does require some preparation, learning and practice which is a good excuse to get in some extra sailing time! My last large boat sail was a charter on a 37' Tartan on the Chesapeake last fall. By halfway across the bay I was right at home and had a superb trip. For more assurance, you might consider one of the Bareboat Charter Certification courses. This will cram a lot of experience and knowledge into a few days and give you confidence in handling the different systems on a larger boat, not to mention the capability of going on a charter vacation. Dick Vance H-25.5 "Honey Bear"
Hey Dick
Have you taken such a course? Where might they offer something like that. Certainly nowhere near Saint Louis. Do they let you charter a boat without a certificate? "Festivity" H26
Have you taken such a course? Where might they offer something like that. Certainly nowhere near Saint Louis. Do they let you charter a boat without a certificate? "Festivity" H26
A list of things to make the shift easy
Some things to help you. 1)Add easy-jax (retractable lazyjacks)w/the cockpit retract/deploy feature to make things easy to bring down/hoist. 2)Roller furling a must. 3) line your dock with fixed (horizontan) fenders and put a "roller" on the end to keep from needing to run around on deck to hook them up when returning to dock. Also in wind and current the roller will allow you to be more aggressing upon entering slip w/out damaging gelcoat. 4) Make sure all lines lead aft and make as many as possible accessable to helm area (Jib sheet winches, roller furling line, etc). 5) wheel mounted auto pilot (around $800.00 new) will help a ton. 6) Make sure jiffy reefing line is easy to deploy. 7) think about rigid vang to get rid of topping lift. 8) now you can go out by yourself or with one crew and do everything (almost) from cockpit with confidence. Go for it!! Doug
Some things to help you. 1)Add easy-jax (retractable lazyjacks)w/the cockpit retract/deploy feature to make things easy to bring down/hoist. 2)Roller furling a must. 3) line your dock with fixed (horizontan) fenders and put a "roller" on the end to keep from needing to run around on deck to hook them up when returning to dock. Also in wind and current the roller will allow you to be more aggressing upon entering slip w/out damaging gelcoat. 4) Make sure all lines lead aft and make as many as possible accessable to helm area (Jib sheet winches, roller furling line, etc). 5) wheel mounted auto pilot (around $800.00 new) will help a ton. 6) Make sure jiffy reefing line is easy to deploy. 7) think about rigid vang to get rid of topping lift. 8) now you can go out by yourself or with one crew and do everything (almost) from cockpit with confidence. Go for it!! Doug
Jeff - 150 Choices
Jeff, Most charter companies will require a sailing resume and/or certification. Some may even ask for a demo sail for first time charterers. Each company sets its own policies, often dictated by their insurance company. The American Sailing Association offers certification programs from basic to offshore passagemaking through independent schools affiliated with ASA. These are all around the country, some in your area. See the ASA website at http://www.asa.com/ for school listings. If taking a course, I would recommend one located on the coast where you will get some saltwater experience, especially handling tides, currents, navigation and anchoring. This will be a plus if you ever plan to charter in such locations. I got my ASA bareboat and coastal cruising certification from Blue Water Sailing School, Fort Lauderdale (http://www.bwss.com/), about 10 years ago. This consisted of a 7 day liveaboard trip to the Keys and back on a 39 footer with a Captain and three other students. Two of the students, a married couple, have been living aboard their Mason 43 for the past 3 years and cruising the Caribbean and South America! There are shorter courses as well and schedules vary from school to school but ASA affiliates must follow the curriculum and standards. Check the websites of the schools listed on the ASA site for details. IMHO, its the best way to gain a lot of knowledge, skills and experience in a short time. Dick
Jeff, Most charter companies will require a sailing resume and/or certification. Some may even ask for a demo sail for first time charterers. Each company sets its own policies, often dictated by their insurance company. The American Sailing Association offers certification programs from basic to offshore passagemaking through independent schools affiliated with ASA. These are all around the country, some in your area. See the ASA website at http://www.asa.com/ for school listings. If taking a course, I would recommend one located on the coast where you will get some saltwater experience, especially handling tides, currents, navigation and anchoring. This will be a plus if you ever plan to charter in such locations. I got my ASA bareboat and coastal cruising certification from Blue Water Sailing School, Fort Lauderdale (http://www.bwss.com/), about 10 years ago. This consisted of a 7 day liveaboard trip to the Keys and back on a 39 footer with a Captain and three other students. Two of the students, a married couple, have been living aboard their Mason 43 for the past 3 years and cruising the Caribbean and South America! There are shorter courses as well and schedules vary from school to school but ASA affiliates must follow the curriculum and standards. Check the websites of the schools listed on the ASA site for details. IMHO, its the best way to gain a lot of knowledge, skills and experience in a short time. Dick
Thanks
I appreciate all the incouraging advice everyone has given. It's nice to hear I'm not totally crazy for wanting to move up to a larger boat. Guess some "Old Salts" are just "Old Sticks In The Mud" sometimes. "Festivity" H26
I appreciate all the incouraging advice everyone has given. It's nice to hear I'm not totally crazy for wanting to move up to a larger boat. Guess some "Old Salts" are just "Old Sticks In The Mud" sometimes. "Festivity" H26
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