I am looking at trading up my Hunter 27 for a 32 or 34 foot boat, mainly for greater comfort and more sailing days. The 27 can quickly become too small in some weather conditions. I day sail with occasional weekends and trips lasting less than a week. I have a few questions that many in this group may be able to help with. I sail almost exclusively single-handed, which is not to say I always sail alone but that I handle all halyards, sheets, lines etc. and manage the helm. The H27 is great for this, halyards are only a step away from the helm, jib sheet winches are within reach of the helm and the main sheet can be controlled from the helm and cleated with a pull to the cabin top cam-cleat. Forgive me if the questions below reflect an ignorance of boats larger than 27's but most of my early sailing was in 22' boats where the helmsman can easily handle all controls. Questions 1/ Mnay of the newer boats seem to have the jib sheet winches on the cabin top or completely inaccessible from the helm. How on earth do owners sail single-handed and enjoy it? 2/ Most newer boats have main sheet clutches on the cabin top that require adjusting the main sheet to be completed within an arms reach and they are all a long way from the helm. The clutch can be left open and the main sheet secured via the self-tailing mainsheet winch but that too requires being very close to it and it too is a long way from the helm. Presumably anyone single-handing one of these designs rarely adjusts the main sheet, which sounds OK except in gusty conditions or when gybing. How do you manage the main sheet and enjoy it? 3/ Just how do you manage a controlled gybe single-handing on a boat that does not give the mainsheet naturally to the helmsman? 4/ Any suggestions on makes and models ideal for single-handed weekend sailing? As you can see my interests are not regarding "can things be done" (a competent and organized, cautious sailor can prudently single-hand almost any design) but rather "how enjoyable is it?". Looking forward to some interesting replies and opinions... Michael Birch Drifter II
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
G
Gordon Myers
Autopilot
I sailed single handed a lot on our Hunter Passage 42. It had a Autohelm 7000 autopilot. By pressing 2 buttons at the same time it turns the boat 100 degrees left or right, giving you the time to adjust the sheets. Bottomline, no problem with an autopilot.
I sailed single handed a lot on our Hunter Passage 42. It had a Autohelm 7000 autopilot. By pressing 2 buttons at the same time it turns the boat 100 degrees left or right, giving you the time to adjust the sheets. Bottomline, no problem with an autopilot.
B
Bob E.
Single handing with autopilot
While I agree with the previous posts that an autopilot makes sailing singlehanded easier, and I have an AutoHelm 4000 on my Hunter 30G that I use when single handing, I have one reservation. That is safety under extreme conditions. Autopilots have their limitations, and are also failure prone. Mine cannot control the boat downwind in over 15-20 knots, especially with following seas. Furthermore, I expect it to break down just when I need it the most. So, my view is, yes, use an autopilot to make sailing easier and more fun, but make sure you are capable of handling the boat in heavy weather without it. If this means changing the deck layout of the running rigging, do it before relying on the autopilot.
While I agree with the previous posts that an autopilot makes sailing singlehanded easier, and I have an AutoHelm 4000 on my Hunter 30G that I use when single handing, I have one reservation. That is safety under extreme conditions. Autopilots have their limitations, and are also failure prone. Mine cannot control the boat downwind in over 15-20 knots, especially with following seas. Furthermore, I expect it to break down just when I need it the most. So, my view is, yes, use an autopilot to make sailing easier and more fun, but make sure you are capable of handling the boat in heavy weather without it. If this means changing the deck layout of the running rigging, do it before relying on the autopilot.
T
Tim
single handing
I have a 1981 Hunter 30 that I single hand and the mainsheet is on the cabin top. For gybing, I stand in front of the wheel and steer with one hand, control the sheet with the other. The thing that actually bugs me is in gusty conditions its about 2 steps from my usual helm position to releasing the mainsheet. Not ideal, but a reasonable compromise to get the traveller out of the cockpit. I can't imagine buying a sailboat that put the jibsheets on the cabin top. What are the designers thinking?
I have a 1981 Hunter 30 that I single hand and the mainsheet is on the cabin top. For gybing, I stand in front of the wheel and steer with one hand, control the sheet with the other. The thing that actually bugs me is in gusty conditions its about 2 steps from my usual helm position to releasing the mainsheet. Not ideal, but a reasonable compromise to get the traveller out of the cockpit. I can't imagine buying a sailboat that put the jibsheets on the cabin top. What are the designers thinking?
G
G. Ned Christensen
Hunter wasn't thinking!
I sail a H26. The jib Sheet winches are on the cabin top and I single hand quite a bit. I have tiller steering and have to really stretch to reach the sheets. I use a "Tiller Tamer" to head into the wind to raise and lower the main. I am considering an autopilot. There are a number of them suitable for tiller steering for less than $500.00. Ned Christensen Second Wind
I sail a H26. The jib Sheet winches are on the cabin top and I single hand quite a bit. I have tiller steering and have to really stretch to reach the sheets. I use a "Tiller Tamer" to head into the wind to raise and lower the main. I am considering an autopilot. There are a number of them suitable for tiller steering for less than $500.00. Ned Christensen Second Wind
K
Ken Shubert
Tiller Extension
How about extending the tiller with a piece of PVC pipe to slip over the end. Most tiller tamers are 'rope clutch' type that will slip and the extender would let you make adjustments and still be able to reach the winches and cleats. Sort of like the hiking stick but rigid and strait ahead. I took the hi-tech route with an ST1000+ autopilot which makes it handy for hanging the sails and putting them away on the way back to the slip too. There is a safety factor with the autopilot..... it's wise to wear a life jacket anytime you're singlehanding and be careful not to fall asleep and run aground. Sounds elementary doesn't it? Ken S/V Wouff Hong
How about extending the tiller with a piece of PVC pipe to slip over the end. Most tiller tamers are 'rope clutch' type that will slip and the extender would let you make adjustments and still be able to reach the winches and cleats. Sort of like the hiking stick but rigid and strait ahead. I took the hi-tech route with an ST1000+ autopilot which makes it handy for hanging the sails and putting them away on the way back to the slip too. There is a safety factor with the autopilot..... it's wise to wear a life jacket anytime you're singlehanding and be careful not to fall asleep and run aground. Sounds elementary doesn't it? Ken S/V Wouff Hong
J
Jay Hill
How I single-hand it.
Michael, 1: Sheet winches on the cabin top? Hmmm...haven't seen that one yet. Sounds like the designer has never been sailing. (Not alone anyway.) 2: I personally do not care for any mainsheet system where a clutch and/or winch is required. Of course, on the really big boats it's a must. I have a Hunter 31 (1985, non-arch style) and rerouted the mainsheet from the "forward-on-the-boom-then-back-to-the-cockpit-winch" method to a 6:1 purchase fiddle block arrangement. The fiddle block has an adjustable angle cam-cleat. The becket on the fiddle block provides mounting of a snatch block. In light air, I remove the snatch block and get 4:1 purchase. With the cam cleat on the fiddle block, I can operate the mainsheet from BEHIND the wheel. When it's not in my hand, I rest it around the binnacle support where it's always handy. 3: Rig above in 2: solves jybing problem. 4: I can also suggest the H31 for single-handed weekending or even longer cruising. Jib winches are located PERFECTLY on this vessel for single-handing. The older Cherubini-style H33 is also rigged this way. I suggest you run every line possible to the cockpit. I replaced the standard two-line clutches with a total of four lines of clutches on each side of the cockpit. I don't use an Autohelm of any kind, just lock the wheel and do whatever you need right in the cockpit. If you need to correct course, just reach back and make the small adjustment. I am, however, going to buy an autohelm soon. I like to spend time practicing with the sextant and that's a little tougher with just a wheel lock in gusty winds. Both H33 and H31 came standard with helmsman safety tether ring at the helm station (well, some years they did.) Also good for single-handing in a nice strong blow. Jay P.S. Feel free to write me direct if you have any other questions or want more "how does Jay do that?" info. JH
Michael, 1: Sheet winches on the cabin top? Hmmm...haven't seen that one yet. Sounds like the designer has never been sailing. (Not alone anyway.) 2: I personally do not care for any mainsheet system where a clutch and/or winch is required. Of course, on the really big boats it's a must. I have a Hunter 31 (1985, non-arch style) and rerouted the mainsheet from the "forward-on-the-boom-then-back-to-the-cockpit-winch" method to a 6:1 purchase fiddle block arrangement. The fiddle block has an adjustable angle cam-cleat. The becket on the fiddle block provides mounting of a snatch block. In light air, I remove the snatch block and get 4:1 purchase. With the cam cleat on the fiddle block, I can operate the mainsheet from BEHIND the wheel. When it's not in my hand, I rest it around the binnacle support where it's always handy. 3: Rig above in 2: solves jybing problem. 4: I can also suggest the H31 for single-handed weekending or even longer cruising. Jib winches are located PERFECTLY on this vessel for single-handing. The older Cherubini-style H33 is also rigged this way. I suggest you run every line possible to the cockpit. I replaced the standard two-line clutches with a total of four lines of clutches on each side of the cockpit. I don't use an Autohelm of any kind, just lock the wheel and do whatever you need right in the cockpit. If you need to correct course, just reach back and make the small adjustment. I am, however, going to buy an autohelm soon. I like to spend time practicing with the sextant and that's a little tougher with just a wheel lock in gusty winds. Both H33 and H31 came standard with helmsman safety tether ring at the helm station (well, some years they did.) Also good for single-handing in a nice strong blow. Jay P.S. Feel free to write me direct if you have any other questions or want more "how does Jay do that?" info. JH
T
TOM M.
IS BIGGER , BETTER???
yOU SAY, YOU LIKE THE WAY YOUR 27 IS SET UP, WELL SO DO I, AND YOU DO A LOT OF SOLO SAILING, AND SO DO I, BUT YOU DESIRE A LARGER BOAT, TO GO OFF SHORE WITH, BUT THEY'RE NOT SET UP LIKE YOUR HUNTER, WELL LETS LOOK AT THEIR SETUP, 1st THEY HAVE A MAINSHEET TRAVELER,WITH STOPS ON THE TRACK TO LIMIT THE CAR'S TAVEL, THEY MAY ALSO HAVE BLOCKS AND LINES THAT ACCOMPLISH THE SAME FUNCTION, 2nd THEY HAVE 4TO 1 OR 6 TO 1 BLOCK SYS. TIO ADJUST THE BOOM'S POSITION, 3rd THEY MAY HAVE A 4 OR 6 TO 1 BOOM VANG TO HELP FLATTEN THE MAIN, THE WINCHES ON THE CABIN ARE HALYARD WINCHES, NOT JIB SHEET WINCHES, FOR THE RAISING AND LOWERING OF MAIN AND JIB, ONCE THEY'RE UP, YOU DON'T HAVE TO MESS WITH THEM, UNLESS FOR SAIL CHANGE, OR REEFING, IN ANY CASE THIS IS THE DIFERENCE BETWEEN YOUR SMALL COCKPIT 27 AND NEWER BIGGER BOATS, HEY IF YOU LIKE WHAT YOU HAVE, IMPROVE ON IT, HOW, #1 BY REDUCING THE SIZE OF YOUR COMPANIONWAY OPENING WITH A BRIDGEDECK AND SILL, KEEPING THE INSIDE DRY, OR LOCKING YOUR LOWER COMPANIONWAY BOARD IN PLACE, YOU CAN IMPROVE ON YOUR MAIN FLATNESS BY ADDING A 4 TO 1 BOOM VANG, AS A SLOOP, YOU CAN'T DO MUCH WITH THE JIB AND WHERE IT SHEET BLOCKS ARE LOCATED, i CHANGED MINE TO A CUTTER, ADDING TRACKS ON THE CABIN TOP, BUT IF YOU HAVE A 27 AND ENJOY IT, YOU CAN IMPROVE ON IT, AND I'VE SAILED IN THE ATLANTIC WITH MINE, AND BIGGER DOES NOT MAKE IT BETTER, I'VE LIVED ON MINE FOR THE PAST 6 YEARS, AND FIND IT COMFORTABLE GOOD LUCK.
yOU SAY, YOU LIKE THE WAY YOUR 27 IS SET UP, WELL SO DO I, AND YOU DO A LOT OF SOLO SAILING, AND SO DO I, BUT YOU DESIRE A LARGER BOAT, TO GO OFF SHORE WITH, BUT THEY'RE NOT SET UP LIKE YOUR HUNTER, WELL LETS LOOK AT THEIR SETUP, 1st THEY HAVE A MAINSHEET TRAVELER,WITH STOPS ON THE TRACK TO LIMIT THE CAR'S TAVEL, THEY MAY ALSO HAVE BLOCKS AND LINES THAT ACCOMPLISH THE SAME FUNCTION, 2nd THEY HAVE 4TO 1 OR 6 TO 1 BLOCK SYS. TIO ADJUST THE BOOM'S POSITION, 3rd THEY MAY HAVE A 4 OR 6 TO 1 BOOM VANG TO HELP FLATTEN THE MAIN, THE WINCHES ON THE CABIN ARE HALYARD WINCHES, NOT JIB SHEET WINCHES, FOR THE RAISING AND LOWERING OF MAIN AND JIB, ONCE THEY'RE UP, YOU DON'T HAVE TO MESS WITH THEM, UNLESS FOR SAIL CHANGE, OR REEFING, IN ANY CASE THIS IS THE DIFERENCE BETWEEN YOUR SMALL COCKPIT 27 AND NEWER BIGGER BOATS, HEY IF YOU LIKE WHAT YOU HAVE, IMPROVE ON IT, HOW, #1 BY REDUCING THE SIZE OF YOUR COMPANIONWAY OPENING WITH A BRIDGEDECK AND SILL, KEEPING THE INSIDE DRY, OR LOCKING YOUR LOWER COMPANIONWAY BOARD IN PLACE, YOU CAN IMPROVE ON YOUR MAIN FLATNESS BY ADDING A 4 TO 1 BOOM VANG, AS A SLOOP, YOU CAN'T DO MUCH WITH THE JIB AND WHERE IT SHEET BLOCKS ARE LOCATED, i CHANGED MINE TO A CUTTER, ADDING TRACKS ON THE CABIN TOP, BUT IF YOU HAVE A 27 AND ENJOY IT, YOU CAN IMPROVE ON IT, AND I'VE SAILED IN THE ATLANTIC WITH MINE, AND BIGGER DOES NOT MAKE IT BETTER, I'VE LIVED ON MINE FOR THE PAST 6 YEARS, AND FIND IT COMFORTABLE GOOD LUCK.
M
Michael Birch
TOM.M-Cabin top winches
RE:"THE WINCHES ON THE CABIN ARE HALYARD WINCHES, NOT JIB SHEET WINCHES" Check out some recent designs, some of the cabin top winches are jib sheet winches, the tracks are on the cabin top! P.S. All caps does not make for easy reading.
RE:"THE WINCHES ON THE CABIN ARE HALYARD WINCHES, NOT JIB SHEET WINCHES" Check out some recent designs, some of the cabin top winches are jib sheet winches, the tracks are on the cabin top! P.S. All caps does not make for easy reading.
D
Don H.
Solo Sailing Hunter Legend 37.5
I have owned and sailed a Legend 37.5 for the past three years. I have sailed over 13,000 miles with this boat, and 50% of that has been solo sailing. The first two years, I soloed without autopilot. Two months ago, I installed an Autohelm 4000+. It died after two weeks when I was soloing offshore in 8 to 10 foot seas. Do not depend on autopilots when soloing. They are prone to failure. (They also don't work very well in a quartering sea when the waves get over 3 feet high.) Although the Autohelm has an automatic tacking command, I find it is too fast for my liking. I prefer to lock the steering wheel at somewhat reduced rudder angle. I then strip the jib sheet from the leeward winch as I make my way around the cockpit. I continue by uncleating the windward traveler control line and pulling in on the leeward traveler line. (No change to mainsheet adjustment.) I continue my "tour" around the cockpit and pull in the "new" leeward jib sheet and winch it to close hauled trim, as the bow comes through the eye of the wind. Finally I complete my "tour" of the cockpit by going back to the steering wheel and unlocking it and fine tuning my new course to weather. I takes some practice, but it can be done. Timing is critical (just like when you have crew). Jibing is done using a similar "tour" of the cockpit method, but I have to make a stop at the companionway to pull the mainsail over to the new tack. I used to solo sail a 25 foot cruising sailboat. With the 37 footer, it takes a lot more effort to get the sails set for the new tack. I like to go 8 to 10 miles before tacking. When offshore, I prefer to do 30 or 40 miles per tack. It is my opinion that the bigger boat can cause more problems when soloing. When things go bad, they go bad in a big way. On the 25 foot boat, I could reef or lower sails and control the boat much easier when the going got tough. I find that I am taking sails to the sailmaker for repairs more often as a result of solo sailing the 37 footer. When things go bad on the big boat, it seems to get out of control much faster. I hope this helps you in your decision.
I have owned and sailed a Legend 37.5 for the past three years. I have sailed over 13,000 miles with this boat, and 50% of that has been solo sailing. The first two years, I soloed without autopilot. Two months ago, I installed an Autohelm 4000+. It died after two weeks when I was soloing offshore in 8 to 10 foot seas. Do not depend on autopilots when soloing. They are prone to failure. (They also don't work very well in a quartering sea when the waves get over 3 feet high.) Although the Autohelm has an automatic tacking command, I find it is too fast for my liking. I prefer to lock the steering wheel at somewhat reduced rudder angle. I then strip the jib sheet from the leeward winch as I make my way around the cockpit. I continue by uncleating the windward traveler control line and pulling in on the leeward traveler line. (No change to mainsheet adjustment.) I continue my "tour" around the cockpit and pull in the "new" leeward jib sheet and winch it to close hauled trim, as the bow comes through the eye of the wind. Finally I complete my "tour" of the cockpit by going back to the steering wheel and unlocking it and fine tuning my new course to weather. I takes some practice, but it can be done. Timing is critical (just like when you have crew). Jibing is done using a similar "tour" of the cockpit method, but I have to make a stop at the companionway to pull the mainsail over to the new tack. I used to solo sail a 25 foot cruising sailboat. With the 37 footer, it takes a lot more effort to get the sails set for the new tack. I like to go 8 to 10 miles before tacking. When offshore, I prefer to do 30 or 40 miles per tack. It is my opinion that the bigger boat can cause more problems when soloing. When things go bad, they go bad in a big way. On the 25 foot boat, I could reef or lower sails and control the boat much easier when the going got tough. I find that I am taking sails to the sailmaker for repairs more often as a result of solo sailing the 37 footer. When things go bad on the big boat, it seems to get out of control much faster. I hope this helps you in your decision.
T
TOM M.
TO MIKE BIRCH
wHEN YOU SAY YOU HAVE A 27 FOOT HUNTER, I ASSUMED YOU HAD A BOAT WITH THE VINTAGE 1975 TO 1984, I HAVE A 1983, Yes some newer designs have jib sheet winches on the cabin top, but the boats in the above catagory do not.
wHEN YOU SAY YOU HAVE A 27 FOOT HUNTER, I ASSUMED YOU HAD A BOAT WITH THE VINTAGE 1975 TO 1984, I HAVE A 1983, Yes some newer designs have jib sheet winches on the cabin top, but the boats in the above catagory do not.
J
Jim Lindsay
My solo sailing partners!!!
Hi, This is a great site. I've single handed my 1978 Hunter 27 "Cheechako"for 9 years now(Crewed other people's boats for 10+ years before that. She has tiller steering, which came as a very long lever. I carved a much shorter version, about 18-20 cm. I can sail with the genoa and main sheets at my finger tips. I dream as do all of us, I'm sure, of winning the Lottry and buying into a serious case of 2 foot'itis. I have an Autohelm 800 which I connected to the tiller with the Autohelm arm resting onto the tiller mounting bracket (female of the Autohelm resting down onto the male of the mounting bracket). I installed the mounting bracket under the tiller. That's because I kind of fibbed... I sail frequently with my dog. He pretty well perfected the skill of dislodging the tiller from Autohelm at the most unwanted times with his butt(I used to have the tiller resting on the Autohelm arm). I learned very quickly and only had to be shown once, not to trust Auto. I was at the end of a long day of sailing around a section of Vancouver Island (British Columbia). I had just fired up my trusty old single lung Yanmar and had moved forward to take down the main (vertually zero apparent wind at the time). I had already taken in the genoa (Harkens 'O'Furling unit) and had just released the main halyard when instincts alerted me to look astern. The water astern was absolutely black. The line was as square and moving as fast as I ever want to be surprised. The wind hit almost immediately and Auto's response was too slow. I was lucky enough to be braced and also lucky enough to dive into the cockpit to turn her nose into the wind. That was a close broach call and believe me my pulse rate exceeded the Yanmar. I have since had many occasions to test the response time for Auto especially on following (quartering) waves. Believe me I've fired Auto many times for snoozing on watch during those conditions. He's just too slow. Oh, yes and I fibbed a bit more. I sail with Lorie. I trust Lorie(Loran) just as much as I do Auto(Autohelm). I fired them on a regular basis and relay on what I believe we all should do most of the time.... our awareness of where we are and what we are doing. Thanks for all the information people. I look forward to reading how you've solved problems. This is better that 'Cruising World'.
Hi, This is a great site. I've single handed my 1978 Hunter 27 "Cheechako"for 9 years now(Crewed other people's boats for 10+ years before that. She has tiller steering, which came as a very long lever. I carved a much shorter version, about 18-20 cm. I can sail with the genoa and main sheets at my finger tips. I dream as do all of us, I'm sure, of winning the Lottry and buying into a serious case of 2 foot'itis. I have an Autohelm 800 which I connected to the tiller with the Autohelm arm resting onto the tiller mounting bracket (female of the Autohelm resting down onto the male of the mounting bracket). I installed the mounting bracket under the tiller. That's because I kind of fibbed... I sail frequently with my dog. He pretty well perfected the skill of dislodging the tiller from Autohelm at the most unwanted times with his butt(I used to have the tiller resting on the Autohelm arm). I learned very quickly and only had to be shown once, not to trust Auto. I was at the end of a long day of sailing around a section of Vancouver Island (British Columbia). I had just fired up my trusty old single lung Yanmar and had moved forward to take down the main (vertually zero apparent wind at the time). I had already taken in the genoa (Harkens 'O'Furling unit) and had just released the main halyard when instincts alerted me to look astern. The water astern was absolutely black. The line was as square and moving as fast as I ever want to be surprised. The wind hit almost immediately and Auto's response was too slow. I was lucky enough to be braced and also lucky enough to dive into the cockpit to turn her nose into the wind. That was a close broach call and believe me my pulse rate exceeded the Yanmar. I have since had many occasions to test the response time for Auto especially on following (quartering) waves. Believe me I've fired Auto many times for snoozing on watch during those conditions. He's just too slow. Oh, yes and I fibbed a bit more. I sail with Lorie. I trust Lorie(Loran) just as much as I do Auto(Autohelm). I fired them on a regular basis and relay on what I believe we all should do most of the time.... our awareness of where we are and what we are doing. Thanks for all the information people. I look forward to reading how you've solved problems. This is better that 'Cruising World'.
A
Alex
Hunter 29.5 single handling well
I often have same problem [ sailing with friends but single handling the boat). I can advise what make this model (29.5 94'-85')good for this. 1.wheel steering WITH autopilot - a must. Have one that always ready for opration , like Autohelm 4000 without messing around with parts. 2.I have the 2 optional spineaker (cruising) whinches installed down back the cockpit .Hunter has a simple and clever kit I self installed to reroute the jib sheets to these whinches , eassily handled there by the helmsman. 3. Early models 94-95 and maybe 96 , has the main sheet just in front of the steering wheel on a short traveler, on the cockpit console/table.Too short for meaningfull tuning but adequent for cruising. This way , standing -or seating- behind the wheel one can manage the mainsheet,jib-sheets and wheel/autopilot alone . Still you might need some help on reefing , altough with autopilot on fair weather , it can be done single-handed too. Very friendly configuration for single handling.
I often have same problem [ sailing with friends but single handling the boat). I can advise what make this model (29.5 94'-85')good for this. 1.wheel steering WITH autopilot - a must. Have one that always ready for opration , like Autohelm 4000 without messing around with parts. 2.I have the 2 optional spineaker (cruising) whinches installed down back the cockpit .Hunter has a simple and clever kit I self installed to reroute the jib sheets to these whinches , eassily handled there by the helmsman. 3. Early models 94-95 and maybe 96 , has the main sheet just in front of the steering wheel on a short traveler, on the cockpit console/table.Too short for meaningfull tuning but adequent for cruising. This way , standing -or seating- behind the wheel one can manage the mainsheet,jib-sheets and wheel/autopilot alone . Still you might need some help on reefing , altough with autopilot on fair weather , it can be done single-handed too. Very friendly configuration for single handling.
- Status
- Not open for further replies.