I'm the new owner of a 1980 Hunter 27, which for the most part works great. I do however, have a problem which I believe is connected to the rudder. In light to moderate winds or while under power the boat answers to the helm without any problems, however, in a strong wind while close hauled she is next to impossible to bring about or jibe. Even with the helm hard over is simply refuses to respond. Shortly after buying the boat which was last surveyed in 2004, I noted while apply the anti-fouling paint to the rudder that it appeared the rudder skin seems to be bowing out from the core. At the time I really didn't pay much attention to it but now I have concerns that the rudder may have delaminated, which is causing loss of steerage while the boat is under pressure while reaching. After reading of other owners problems with their rudder due to water infiltration I can see this may in fact be the case with my boat. Any suggestions would be appreciated as we leave in approximately 10 days for a two week cruise of the southern new Brunswick and Maine coast and I have no desire to have problems while under way in the area.
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Excessive weather helm?
Just a thought here - The 27's of this era seem to have a lot of weather helm. Does the boat try and round up on you? On mine in a stiff breeze during any sort of beam reach, it would be almost impossible to gybe. I've been slowly dailing it out by raking the mast forward. Also either letting out the main sheet or reefing earlier makes a huge difference. Is your main sail blown out? If you have wheel steering on your 27' you can also try steering with your emergency tiller, it may help to determine if there is a problem with your steering linkage. Good luck, Manny
Just a thought here - The 27's of this era seem to have a lot of weather helm. Does the boat try and round up on you? On mine in a stiff breeze during any sort of beam reach, it would be almost impossible to gybe. I've been slowly dailing it out by raking the mast forward. Also either letting out the main sheet or reefing earlier makes a huge difference. Is your main sail blown out? If you have wheel steering on your 27' you can also try steering with your emergency tiller, it may help to determine if there is a problem with your steering linkage. Good luck, Manny
Emergency tiller eh!
Thanks Manny, I hadn't thought about using the emergency tiller and your right the boat does have a very pronounced weather helm and I hadn't thought about that either. I was on a broad reach yesterday when the problem occurred and was simply trying to lay off a bit when she started not responding. I'll trying raking the mast forward a bit at a time and see how it goes and try easing the main she as well. I guess I may have been away from this game a bit too long and don't remember the details of the process quite like I should.
Thanks Manny, I hadn't thought about using the emergency tiller and your right the boat does have a very pronounced weather helm and I hadn't thought about that either. I was on a broad reach yesterday when the problem occurred and was simply trying to lay off a bit when she started not responding. I'll trying raking the mast forward a bit at a time and see how it goes and try easing the main she as well. I guess I may have been away from this game a bit too long and don't remember the details of the process quite like I should.
Possibly try a reef
From my experience with my two Hunter 27's (one a 1980 model bought in 1979 and sailed in Miami, and the Bahamas and the other a 1983 model bought in 2002 and sailed on a North Mississippi lake) I found that for the helm to be responsive you needed to reef in about 15-18 knots of wind. Since you are a new owner I am being presumtuous and apologize for that but I hope your problem is one of sail trim and not structurally related. I now own a Hunter 37 cutter (1982) on an inland lake and she really enjoys a fresh breeze. Again, if I have offended I apologize, but the 27 is a wonderful boat and I encountered a similar situation and learned that it was a signal I should have reefed the main. Happy sailing, pastorjameshayes@aol.com
From my experience with my two Hunter 27's (one a 1980 model bought in 1979 and sailed in Miami, and the Bahamas and the other a 1983 model bought in 2002 and sailed on a North Mississippi lake) I found that for the helm to be responsive you needed to reef in about 15-18 knots of wind. Since you are a new owner I am being presumtuous and apologize for that but I hope your problem is one of sail trim and not structurally related. I now own a Hunter 37 cutter (1982) on an inland lake and she really enjoys a fresh breeze. Again, if I have offended I apologize, but the 27 is a wonderful boat and I encountered a similar situation and learned that it was a signal I should have reefed the main. Happy sailing, pastorjameshayes@aol.com
Thanks
No offence taken sir. I've had the boat out twice since the problem occurred, once under similar wind conditions and once under a lightre wind. In the first situation with a slight rake forward and a little less emphasis in trying to get her to make a mark she responded better to the helm. In the lighter wind she worked fine. I've also inspected the rudder with scuba gear and there doesn't seem to be a problem so hopefully we have the problem solved. Leaving on Sunday for a two week trip down the coast of Maine, hopefully all will go well.
No offence taken sir. I've had the boat out twice since the problem occurred, once under similar wind conditions and once under a lightre wind. In the first situation with a slight rake forward and a little less emphasis in trying to get her to make a mark she responded better to the helm. In the lighter wind she worked fine. I've also inspected the rudder with scuba gear and there doesn't seem to be a problem so hopefully we have the problem solved. Leaving on Sunday for a two week trip down the coast of Maine, hopefully all will go well.
Weather Helm on H27
Weather helm is a common problem on this model. I've had my 130 Genoa cut down so I could rake the mast forward with slightly improved response. I believe that a 110 jib and a well cut main may be a better solution but I already had the 130 Genoa. Anyone out there with a 100-110 jib that can comment?
Weather helm is a common problem on this model. I've had my 130 Genoa cut down so I could rake the mast forward with slightly improved response. I believe that a 110 jib and a well cut main may be a better solution but I already had the 130 Genoa. Anyone out there with a 100-110 jib that can comment?
110 Jib
I have a 110 lapper on my 1978 H27. Weather helm doesn't seem to be a big problem but I have had my rig tuned professionally (had to drop the mast due to some internal wiring problems that couldn't be resolved any other way)
I have a 110 lapper on my 1978 H27. Weather helm doesn't seem to be a big problem but I have had my rig tuned professionally (had to drop the mast due to some internal wiring problems that couldn't be resolved any other way)
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