Sailing hunter boats across oceans

[destiny12]

Dear All,
i have an Hunter Legend 37.5 in Malaysia, and will like to sail her in time to cross all oceans, starting with the Indian Ocean.
She has shoal keel, and i have done some coastal trips. and we have been hit with winds up to 38kts, as the sumatras are known for it.
Pls assist to tell me how anyone out there as rigged the boat for further distances.
Water i have a solution as the tankage is too small - to add a rain man, steering i use a linear drive and will carry a spare, diesel, probably with jerry cans up to 200Ltrs
I have a full sail inventory including a cruising genny which i have sailed upwind in light conditions up to 45degrees true.
I have a genoa and jib, too.
Radar is also installed and have 600AH battery bank with 560W of solar.
Recently installed a hard dodger too.
Will love to share with those who have done it. Invested heavily to upgrade her but now will just like to learn from those who have done long distance cruising.
i intend to sail with my partner only.
Appreciate all the advice.

rgds

Fabian

 

[David in Sandusky]

Good luck with your adventure, Fabian!

The best resource on offshore preparation to my knowledge is "The Pacific Cup Handbook" by Jim and Sue Coreman. I'm not sure its still available, so I'll summarize as follows:

Their list of required equipment is:
Liferaft
Grab bag
EPIRB
Flares
A secure lock for the companionway hatch.
Storm covers for windows over 2 square feet
Lifelines, jacklines, and harnesses
A banding tool (used for putting steel straps in skids) to allow for piecing together damaged spars
Alternative methods of steering
2 Anchors

Then six chapters discuss:
Hull (and through hulls) and Structure
Masts and Rigging
Electrical Systems
Navigation Systems
Plumbing
Sails

I hesitate to summarize them, but here goes:
Inspect and strengthen as necessary key strong points, and especially rig attachments. Have configuration options to match a wide range of conditions. Have redundancy of critical systems when possible. Carry a broad range of tools, materials, and parts for repairs at sea, or an isolated anchorage/destination. Have a short wave radio since avoiding bad conditions is the best way to survive them.

Finally, "Storm Tactics Handbook" by Lin and Larry Pardey is available as a Kindle ebook. Buy it and read it!

Fair winds, and following seas!