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[Guest]

I recently purchased a Hunter 26.5 (1987)with a fixed mount 9.9 Nissan outboard,cockpit controls, tiller and fixed keel. While I have had experience with many motorboats and sailboats (none with an outboard)getting out of the marina is becoming an ordeal. Specifically, I seem to have little to no control in reverse as I back out of our slip. I am sure this is not an uncommon issue but I was wondering if anyone has any advice.

 

[red]

have one too

your boat sounds identical to our own.reversing out of a 'stick-out dock can be difficult.ttuse a combination of positive use of your engine controls.if not used to your engine yet, use your mooring lines, etc.,etc. to get your boat out and then your engine.as a lad i was always told not to be self conscious over anything i did with a sail boat and have always found this to be the best advice i have been told.if you are that is when things go wrong and when 'the cool head' necessary for a good sailor is lost.if you goof up, does it matter! no doubt you will be finding that the sailing fraternity is a great deal different than motor boat owners to the greatest extent.i was also told that when something goes wrong i was not expecting - take 5 deep long breaths and it is suprising how easy it is then to sort things out. sometimes time only for 2 or three!!be - coooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooool and don't worry if you make a mistake.if still worried, like everyone should do, chuck the o/board overboard - in deepest water to be found - they say that is in the middle of the pacific - and use that 'im up there gave us to use - a head, wind and water.hey, dont forget to use the wind/tide for getting in and out of your dock.where are you - not so many 26.5's about.ted

 

[Ralph C. Regar]

Same here

You are not alone in this problem! I have a H260 which is in a slip along the Lewes/Rehoboth Bay Canal in DE. The tidal currents are really strong here, so I know about your concerns. I try to time my departures and arrivals with the tide. Meanwhile, check the Forum. There are several articles on rudder-to-motor connections which could be of help to you in getting greater control of your boat. Good luck.Raqlph C. RegarS/V Shambala

 

[Ken Shaw]

prop change improves backing a 26.5

I too have a 1987 26.5. The first change after purchase was to contact the local (Denver area) Nissan dealer and order a flatter propeller for the 9.9 engine that came with the boat. Carefully check your propeller for a number (like the number 8) stamped on one of the blades. You will find the stamped number on the back side of the prop. My replacement propeller is flatter and has the number 6.5 (if my memory serves me correctly) stamped on it. Displacement hull sailboats need a prop that is designed to provide torque rather than speed through the water. The smaller the prop number, the more torque it provides, and the more torque you have, the more low speed control you have.. The 6.5 prop made a NOTICABLE difference in the way the 26.5 boat moves through the water in either forward or reverse. I have made this same change on other sailboats that I previously owned (Com-Pac 23, and Montgomery 17) with the same effect.By the way, my private email address is shawk@mscd.eduI would like to get in touch with you and other 26.5 owners personally to discuss other 26.5 issues.Ken

 

[Eric Jensen]

Rudder angle

Dear Name?I am in my first season(actually weeks) with my 26.5. I have the same experiance, well duh. Anyway what I have discovered is that it is critical to get he boat moving as fast as possible with the rudder amidships, and once moving at 2-3 knots use the least amount of rudder to get the desired rate of turn. I found the going slow with the rudder hard over offers little response. Also be very aware of wind and water and learn to use everything you can to your advantage including practice. If you are lucky enough to have a regular crew explain what you want them to do and practice it. Many times it's a matter of inchs and a little extra pull on a line here or a push ateh right moment can make all the difference! By the way Ken's advice is very good and I plan to check my prop.