I have a Hunter 260 that I typically race weekly on Chatfield Reservoir near Denver. This area is subject to a lot of thunderstorm-like weather during these afternoon races, and I feel that the large step required to move between the cockpit and the deck is rather unsafe for my crew in choppy water. Does anyone have suggestions on what I might add to the deck, etc.. that would make this transition safer?
Safety on deck
- Thread starter Steve Gross
- Start date
Better shoes is all that comes to mind. Practice and see what approach works best.
A line secured to the mast maybe?
A line secured to the mast maybe?
How is your line organization? Obstacles like tangled sheets need to remain organized. Stepping up onto the deck or down into the cockpit will be much safer if trip hazards are cleared.
-Will(Dragonfly)
-Will(Dragonfly)
How about minimizing the need to go forward? Are your lines all led aft? Not much you can do for the spinnaker
I like what @Justin_NSA said. On my H26 I installed a second 3-set of rope clutches and a 3-set deck organizer on the port side of the coachroof. With the two on the starboard side, I now have five clutches and six lines lead to the cockpit. My outhaul, and reef line are now in the cockpit and I can reef and adjust the foot tension without leaving the cockpit. The topping lift is also lead to the cockpit but mostly because I could and not for any other good reason. I can post pics of the instal if you decide to go that route.
Also, on my H26 I have two extra jib halyards that I mostly don't use since I have a roller furled headsail. I like to take these halyards back to the stanchion base for the stanchionright before you step up on the cabin top and tie them off at the base. This gives me a line to grab and pull myself up when I am going forward.
Also, on my H26 I have two extra jib halyards that I mostly don't use since I have a roller furled headsail. I like to take these halyards back to the stanchion base for the stanchionright before you step up on the cabin top and tie them off at the base. This gives me a line to grab and pull myself up when I am going forward.
I did the same to my MacGregor 26s. I was pleased that my Hunter was already set up the same way when we bought her.
Agreed, that boat is terrible for that. Somehow the designers thought an extra 6 cubic feet of interior volume would be more valuable than on-deck safety.
But why go up at all? You should easily be able to rig everything back to the cockpit. When we race shorthanded with our asym, nobody ever leaves the cockpit.
Need a LONG adjustable tackline
LONG sheets.
A spin bag mounted in the open hatch to catch/hold/launch the kite.
But why go up at all? You should easily be able to rig everything back to the cockpit. When we race shorthanded with our asym, nobody ever leaves the cockpit.
Need a LONG adjustable tackline
LONG sheets.
A spin bag mounted in the open hatch to catch/hold/launch the kite.
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Using the jib halyards is simple, yet genius. I just bought an H26 and it is precarious up there. My previous boat (many years ago) was a newport 30 where I could walk around the cabin and with handrails so this is going to take some getting used to.
Lots of good advise.............Since all my lines lead aft to the cockpit there is not need for the crew to leave the cockpit........I request the crew to not leave the cockpit prior to leaving the dock. Having said that, on one occasion one of the crew left the cockpit anyway, leaned up against the dodger and broke the windshield when we hit a big swell......$300 repair expense.