Sailing Performance of H340 in Strong Winds

[Ersin Gokcen]

I have some difficulties with my 98 model,full battened H 340,in strong wind sailing.Over 20 knots of wind,seems almost uncontrolable to sail even with 2.reef.Its so tender and can have sudden heel of 40 or more any time.Tried to sail with jýb alone,but earlier discussion showed me that its not the good way to do so...I think most of the owners have same problems like me, from San Francisco(Peter Tsepeleff) saysEFÝNETLY NOT FOR SAILING WITH WINDS OVER 20 KNOTS.Some others say:IT IS GOOD FOR DAY SAILING,WEEKENDS IN PROTECTED WATERS WITH MODERATE WEATHER,BUT THATS ALL.On the otherhand,some others (like, Carl and Julie)are happy in strong winds in their H 340.So,which part is right? Is it a boat for only fair wind or not? Is there anybody who has 'Blue Water'sailing with her?The other point is,whats the max.degree of heel that we can dare? Or the point of no return? I couldnt get it clear yet.Thank you all for your kind help....

 

[Rene Schmidt]

Not an expert, but....

A few points;1. It appears that there are two different keel variations, 4'6', and 6'. Probably a significant difference in "tenderness' between the two.2. A 340 has a capsize ratio of 2.10 which is better than my 285's 2.19. I frequently (with difficulty)sail my 285 in 30 knot winds (SF Bay). I double reef, and furl my 110 headsail to about a 70. Also, I think that Mid-size Hunters are generally recognized as being designed for 'coastal" sailing.Hope this helps!

 

[Steve Molnar]

Rigid Boom Vang Helps

We had alot of tenderness before we added a rigid boom vang with 12:1 purchase. The boom vang that come with the boat was worthless in heavy weather. With the new vang I am able to better shape the sail which reduced heel and weather helm. I have sailed her now in 25 -30 (2 reefs on the main and about 50% of the jib)kts of wind with 20 degrees of heel.In these conditions you need to be think and reacting ahead of the boat so you can deal this the gusts.

 

[Rene Schmidt]

Re: Boom Vang...

Hi there,Could you explain the theory of using a boom vang in heavy wind conditions? Is the theory that you try to flatten the sails to reduce the shape which reduces the efficency?I've always wondered about this, as I have read other people say the same thing.Thanx!Rene SchmidyHunter 285, Emeryville, CA

 

[Ersin Gokcen]

Re.Rigid Boom Vang

Thank you Steve for your advice,But last year,I had an incident with my standart boom vang.The connection of it to the mast base casting, broke off (base casting itself actually)in moderate weather in downwind sail with second reef.You can imagine if it were strong winds...When I reported to Hunter Marine,supposed to be repaired and getting an excuse by them,they only said:IT IS USER'S FAULT,AND IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY,YOU TENSIONED IT SO FAR..After my insisting,they direct me to Z SPAR.Here is the answer from Z SPAR,(Mr. Julýan Crisp): 'In 16 years of manufacturing yacht spars I have never heard of a BASE PLATE failure of this nature.Reported promlems before are all with the RIGID VANG brackets fitted to the back of the mast not the mast plate itself.!????They say so,altough at least 6 same kind of incidents I found in Hunter Owners Forum Archives.So Steve be carefull,when you try to flatten your main sail by vang,DO NOT TENSION SO FAR, if something happen to hardware/connections that will be YOUR FAULT ONLY,especially if you use a RIGID VANG....