I have my H23 docked on Lake Erie near the Marblehead/Port Clinton area. Every time I've tried to go out so far this year, the water has been VERY rough. Instead of enjoying the boat, I turn around and go back to the dock. Am I being too respectful of the Lake, paranoid, or smart. What are the worst conditions that a H23 can safely navigate? I hate losing sail time when days off are limited, but don't want the boat at the bottom of the Lake either. I have only three or so months experience sailing on this boat (about 8 days a month and a weeks vacation) and do not want to over or under estimate her. Any help? THANKS! Randy Simmons H23 Munchkin
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Safe Conditions
I have read about people sailing this boat in 8 to 10 foot waves but not out of choice. I sail on Lake Michigan. Waves 2 feet or less are very enjoyable, 3 to 4 are work. We were in 6-foot waves one time. The motor wouldn't hold the boat, 5 slugs holding the main to the mast broke, and the tiller rope started to unravel. I was very sick. The Coast Guard came and towed us to Grand Haven. We threw out an anchor to keep from grounding the boat. This experience was like being a cork in a blender. You have a much better chance of getting struck by lighting two days in a row at noon than sinking this boat. If the winds are over 15MPH, we usually stay in port. I sail to relax, I don't want to go on a major sailing adventure on the high seas. We have had our boat for 4 years. We considered getting a larger boat, but after we figured the extra slip charges, maintance costs, and the fact that we could trailer this boat, we decided this H23 was a great boat for us. I like owning a boat but don't want the boat to own me. Happy Sailing. Lee (Merri-Lee)
I have read about people sailing this boat in 8 to 10 foot waves but not out of choice. I sail on Lake Michigan. Waves 2 feet or less are very enjoyable, 3 to 4 are work. We were in 6-foot waves one time. The motor wouldn't hold the boat, 5 slugs holding the main to the mast broke, and the tiller rope started to unravel. I was very sick. The Coast Guard came and towed us to Grand Haven. We threw out an anchor to keep from grounding the boat. This experience was like being a cork in a blender. You have a much better chance of getting struck by lighting two days in a row at noon than sinking this boat. If the winds are over 15MPH, we usually stay in port. I sail to relax, I don't want to go on a major sailing adventure on the high seas. We have had our boat for 4 years. We considered getting a larger boat, but after we figured the extra slip charges, maintance costs, and the fact that we could trailer this boat, we decided this H23 was a great boat for us. I like owning a boat but don't want the boat to own me. Happy Sailing. Lee (Merri-Lee)
Boat can handle it
Randy, We sailed our 23 on Lake Erie with out any trouble. Though we now have a 28.5 and sail where you do. I took my 2 kids 8 and 11 for a weeks vaction on Lake Erie every summer. Though you should be carful I think you might be a little too cautious. If you want you can join us with your boat. When the weather man is calling for 3 to 4 foot waves the boat just goes over them. What marina are you sailing out of, I think you are on the West Side of Catawba? Cliff
Randy, We sailed our 23 on Lake Erie with out any trouble. Though we now have a 28.5 and sail where you do. I took my 2 kids 8 and 11 for a weeks vaction on Lake Erie every summer. Though you should be carful I think you might be a little too cautious. If you want you can join us with your boat. When the weather man is calling for 3 to 4 foot waves the boat just goes over them. What marina are you sailing out of, I think you are on the West Side of Catawba? Cliff
SAFETY FIRST!
From your account, it seems to me that you have the right idea. If sea/wind conditions does not feel comfortable to YOU then returning to port is definately a wise decision. The h23 can handle most anything. However, why put your family or yourself at risk needlessly? In addition, why risk the lives of the coastguard folks who would have to save you because of your when things go wrong? I have always established a "sailing comfort zone". I remained in port many times when the conditions was not right for ME. Sadly, I will monitor the radio traffic of people who went out and got into trouble! It is reasuring to know that your boat is well design and seaworthy. However, the bottom line is, YOUR decision to leave port should be bases on YOUR experience and YOUR sailing comfort zone.
From your account, it seems to me that you have the right idea. If sea/wind conditions does not feel comfortable to YOU then returning to port is definately a wise decision. The h23 can handle most anything. However, why put your family or yourself at risk needlessly? In addition, why risk the lives of the coastguard folks who would have to save you because of your when things go wrong? I have always established a "sailing comfort zone". I remained in port many times when the conditions was not right for ME. Sadly, I will monitor the radio traffic of people who went out and got into trouble! It is reasuring to know that your boat is well design and seaworthy. However, the bottom line is, YOUR decision to leave port should be bases on YOUR experience and YOUR sailing comfort zone.
Do What You Feel Comfortable With
If the conditions don't feel right to you don't go. As you learn more and become more experienced you'll learn what conditions are good and what aren't. To learn more read books, visit forums like this one, talk to other skippers, maybe volunteer to crew in races, keep sailing when you can, and yes, buddy-boat. With time, as you put all the information together, you'll find what conditions you want and don't want. There is a lot to know and you'll never know it all. Figure out what you would do if the boat took a wall of blue water and was capsized. What is the water temperature? Could you bail and right it in those conditions? How would you take the sails down? Would the bailing bucket sink? Would the anchor and chain come loose? Just a few thoughts to think about. What works for one person on one boat isn't necessarily what will work for you on your boat and practice makes perfect.
If the conditions don't feel right to you don't go. As you learn more and become more experienced you'll learn what conditions are good and what aren't. To learn more read books, visit forums like this one, talk to other skippers, maybe volunteer to crew in races, keep sailing when you can, and yes, buddy-boat. With time, as you put all the information together, you'll find what conditions you want and don't want. There is a lot to know and you'll never know it all. Figure out what you would do if the boat took a wall of blue water and was capsized. What is the water temperature? Could you bail and right it in those conditions? How would you take the sails down? Would the bailing bucket sink? Would the anchor and chain come loose? Just a few thoughts to think about. What works for one person on one boat isn't necessarily what will work for you on your boat and practice makes perfect.
Spring will be over soon.
It seems like everyone starts sailing a new boat in the spring when the winds are strong and the weather is flukey. Then summer comes and we have calmer weather and lighter and more steady winds. It's too bad summer doesn't come first. In the mean time take it easy this spring and learn your boat when conditions are nice. Remember, this is supposed to be fun!
It seems like everyone starts sailing a new boat in the spring when the winds are strong and the weather is flukey. Then summer comes and we have calmer weather and lighter and more steady winds. It's too bad summer doesn't come first. In the mean time take it easy this spring and learn your boat when conditions are nice. Remember, this is supposed to be fun!
Thank you all!
Thank you all for taking the time to respond. I have taken the United States Power Squadron "Boat Safe" classes (I'm the Safety Officer for the Mansfield Chapter), and know most of the "do's and don't's. I was asking because going out in a 35' with a 454 is a completely different ball game that I've experienced with my H23. I also know the H23 doesn't have floatation built into it.... I just get nervous when I can't keep the prop in the water on a long shaft 9.9 . My main has two sets of reefs in it too, but,... Cliff, I am at Harbor's Edge Marina beside East Harbor. I have to go out the channel in between East Harbor Beach and Lakeside pier to get on the main lake (the Marina Del Isle approach). If you see a H23 with an Irish Setter as the First Mate, you found me (she will have a bright yellow life jacket on)! I'm usually off Tuesdays and Sundays and up that way ... Thanks again, Randy Simmons H23 "Munchkin"
Thank you all for taking the time to respond. I have taken the United States Power Squadron "Boat Safe" classes (I'm the Safety Officer for the Mansfield Chapter), and know most of the "do's and don't's. I was asking because going out in a 35' with a 454 is a completely different ball game that I've experienced with my H23. I also know the H23 doesn't have floatation built into it.... I just get nervous when I can't keep the prop in the water on a long shaft 9.9 . My main has two sets of reefs in it too, but,... Cliff, I am at Harbor's Edge Marina beside East Harbor. I have to go out the channel in between East Harbor Beach and Lakeside pier to get on the main lake (the Marina Del Isle approach). If you see a H23 with an Irish Setter as the First Mate, you found me (she will have a bright yellow life jacket on)! I'm usually off Tuesdays and Sundays and up that way ... Thanks again, Randy Simmons H23 "Munchkin"
Safety is Wisdom
The Black Box Theory comes into effect on this topic. (look that one up,,is a good read) But back to subject, I do not know your overall Sailing Experiance, but may I suggest you take the USCGAUX Sailing Course, and Power Boat Course. I took the USCGAUX Sailing Class when I was a young man,,and retook it last year. I also took the Power Boat Course cause most all Cruising MonoHulls have some type of Motor on them and all that Gasoline and Fire stuff is good data. Safe Boating is Everyones responsabilty,,but Personal Saftey overides RoR Rules. Let me clarify here,,,On a Sailboat you may be the Stand on Vessel if a Power Vessel is approaching, but if it is a Charter boat, or a Barge, get outta the way! If Sea Conditions are to rough for yuor comfort,,then they are too rough. You are wise to head to Port when you are not comfortable with conditions. This is a lesson for all boaters of any vessel, them that know it are the Living,,them that ignore it are most likely no longer with us, or have caused others injury.
The Black Box Theory comes into effect on this topic. (look that one up,,is a good read) But back to subject, I do not know your overall Sailing Experiance, but may I suggest you take the USCGAUX Sailing Course, and Power Boat Course. I took the USCGAUX Sailing Class when I was a young man,,and retook it last year. I also took the Power Boat Course cause most all Cruising MonoHulls have some type of Motor on them and all that Gasoline and Fire stuff is good data. Safe Boating is Everyones responsabilty,,but Personal Saftey overides RoR Rules. Let me clarify here,,,On a Sailboat you may be the Stand on Vessel if a Power Vessel is approaching, but if it is a Charter boat, or a Barge, get outta the way! If Sea Conditions are to rough for yuor comfort,,then they are too rough. You are wise to head to Port when you are not comfortable with conditions. This is a lesson for all boaters of any vessel, them that know it are the Living,,them that ignore it are most likely no longer with us, or have caused others injury.
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