Sailing Lake Erie in a Hunter 23

[Mike M]

Thanks to all the informative posts and reviews, I'm considering a 1986 Hunter 23. I would appreciate any comments regarding sailing on Lake Erie. As it will be kept at a dock, stepping and lowering the mast isn't a concern. I am moving up from a 19' MFG with a 400 lb fixed keel. My current boat is too slow in light winds and fairly uncomfortable when waves exceed about 3'. Not so much from a heeling perspective, but it gets tossed around pretty good and is difficult to maneuver upwind/against the seas. It was a good little boat on inland lakes with young children, but that's not what we are doing now. Thanks for all remarks. - Mike M

 

[Harmers]

Sailed Lake Erie in Hunter 23 forr 9 yrs

You can sail Lake Erie in the 23! It is a great boat and fun to sail. However, you are still going to experience some of the same problems with waves over 3'. It is a light weight, shallow draft boat, but for the money you can't beat it. Just watch the weather and be careful not to get caught too far out on the lake.

 

[Andy]

You need to be prudent

We have a good friend who sails that boat and has many good sailing days on the lake. As was mentioned in the other post, 3 footers (depending on wave frequency)and the ride may not suit everyone. If you reef when you should and pay mind to the weather you should enjoy it. Every body of water has its own personality. If you are not familiar with the Lake, talk to fellow sailors who are. Weather changes happen quickly and seas kick up very fast. Listen to the forecast but trust your eyes and be prudent.Andy

 

[mike]

get 'er

I've sailed a 23 and a 17' Siren on Lake Erie but as mentioned WATCH THE WEATHER. It's not a cruising boat for the Erie Islands. Only a daysailor. Goes very well in light air and especially with an assymetrical spinnaker. Of course you'd better have a motor for when you need to drop sail and run for the dock. You H23 guys in Ohio should consider coming to the H23 regatta down here at Indian Lake. It's a hoot!

 

[Kevin Keen]

Sailed on Lake Erie for 2 years

Mike:My wife, daughter and I sailed for 2 seasons on Lake Erie out of Sandusky and enjoyed every minute of it. Depending on wind conditions, we would either day sail on Sandusky Bay or head out on the Lake to Marblehead Lighthouse and back or sail around Kelley's Island and back. We did a couple of overnights to Middle and South Bass Islands. Pay attention to the weather forecasts and monitor conditions and you'll be alright. We always sailed with 6 gallons of fuel and motored back from the "slot" midway between Kelley's Island and South Bass Island more than once either because of calm conditions or no headway while beating against the wind and current. - Kevin.