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/ Many 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?
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sail 6310
AROUND THE WORLD
LOOK AT BOOKS AND NEWS CLIPPINGS OF THE AROUND THE WORLD SAILERS AND THEIR BOATS.
LOOK AT BOOKS AND NEWS CLIPPINGS OF THE AROUND THE WORLD SAILERS AND THEIR BOATS.
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Michael McCann
Single Handing
Michael: I sail a C36, that I single hand occaisionally. My boat came (93) with the mainsheet in a jam cleat. I have replaced that with a stopper so that it goes to the halyard winch easier. I believe the main secret to ease of single handing is the auto pilot. My ST4000 has a tacking feature that allows me to handle the sheets without having to concentrate on steering. An important item to consider when choosing a boat, is the cockpit size. Personally I feel that my C36 cockpit is too long. Most of today's boats are designed for entertaining, and not at getting to a destination. More than likely any boat you choose can be rigged for one person to handle the sailing chores, but most do not come equipped with this in mind. Michael McCann The Jaded Crew
Michael: I sail a C36, that I single hand occaisionally. My boat came (93) with the mainsheet in a jam cleat. I have replaced that with a stopper so that it goes to the halyard winch easier. I believe the main secret to ease of single handing is the auto pilot. My ST4000 has a tacking feature that allows me to handle the sheets without having to concentrate on steering. An important item to consider when choosing a boat, is the cockpit size. Personally I feel that my C36 cockpit is too long. Most of today's boats are designed for entertaining, and not at getting to a destination. More than likely any boat you choose can be rigged for one person to handle the sailing chores, but most do not come equipped with this in mind. Michael McCann The Jaded Crew
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Sharky
single-handed
The key to successful single-handed boats is a good autopilot. I sail a C36 out of Chicago and have no problems handling the boat out on the water. My biggest problem is pulling her out the slip. Her stern has a tendency to creep to port in reverse wich causes the bow to swing out. With only two feet clearence with the boat next to me it makes for some exciting exits.
The key to successful single-handed boats is a good autopilot. I sail a C36 out of Chicago and have no problems handling the boat out on the water. My biggest problem is pulling her out the slip. Her stern has a tendency to creep to port in reverse wich causes the bow to swing out. With only two feet clearence with the boat next to me it makes for some exciting exits.
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David Smith
Si ngle Handing a 36 MKII
I was amazed at how easily sailed the 36 MKII is with the optional auto helm. There is nothing you can not do by yourself and the craft sails effortlessly.
I was amazed at how easily sailed the 36 MKII is with the optional auto helm. There is nothing you can not do by yourself and the craft sails effortlessly.
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Mike s/v Chute the Breeze
Solo
Mike, I will echo everyones reply that u must have an autopilot. I sail a C-38 99% of the time solo(me & sam 4000+). The other thing I think is a big difference that u may not be use to is a wheel and brake, I use the brake alot when the AP is off to stand in front of the helm and tinker with sheets and such but I have to leave the cockpit to hoist the main and that's where AP is a must.. The other thing you will find yourself doing is just like home REMOTES..haha I have the AM/FM,CD changer, Garmin 230, Horizon RAM Mic,AutoHelm 4000+ mounted on the side so I don't have to be behind the wheel to see it and made adj's.. as a matter of fact I try to mount everything so I can turn them or twist them around to allow me to sit or lay anywhere in the cockpit I want and still monitor what u need to..and as one of the other guy's said then you always have adventures in DOCKING!! that's another book. Good luck you can do it.. Mike S. Lake Michigan
Mike, I will echo everyones reply that u must have an autopilot. I sail a C-38 99% of the time solo(me & sam 4000+). The other thing I think is a big difference that u may not be use to is a wheel and brake, I use the brake alot when the AP is off to stand in front of the helm and tinker with sheets and such but I have to leave the cockpit to hoist the main and that's where AP is a must.. The other thing you will find yourself doing is just like home REMOTES..haha I have the AM/FM,CD changer, Garmin 230, Horizon RAM Mic,AutoHelm 4000+ mounted on the side so I don't have to be behind the wheel to see it and made adj's.. as a matter of fact I try to mount everything so I can turn them or twist them around to allow me to sit or lay anywhere in the cockpit I want and still monitor what u need to..and as one of the other guy's said then you always have adventures in DOCKING!! that's another book. Good luck you can do it.. Mike S. Lake Michigan
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John Finch
Patience
I sail a C30 on Mark Twain Lake In Northeastern Missouri, where an autopilot is totally useless. I have found that when single handing, the rules change. If a controlled gybe is going to be a problem, I just take the long way around: I tack instead. It is not efficient, but effective. I also use the wheel brake a lot. The key is to not get one's self into a critical situation (don't get close to the lee shore), and remain calm when things are getting exciting (knee deep in aligators). Do not over react. After all, relaxation is what sailing is all about, so relax and Enjoy. Sail on, John
I sail a C30 on Mark Twain Lake In Northeastern Missouri, where an autopilot is totally useless. I have found that when single handing, the rules change. If a controlled gybe is going to be a problem, I just take the long way around: I tack instead. It is not efficient, but effective. I also use the wheel brake a lot. The key is to not get one's self into a critical situation (don't get close to the lee shore), and remain calm when things are getting exciting (knee deep in aligators). Do not over react. After all, relaxation is what sailing is all about, so relax and Enjoy. Sail on, John
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Richard
jump from 27 to 30
I recently jumped from a catalina 27 to a 30. I used to singlehand the 27 all the time (auto tiller made life easier, but I still sailed it before I got it). All lines were accessible from the tiller and I had rollerfurling. I only had to leave the tiller to tie the reefing lines in. On my 30 the jib winches are too far from the wheel to manage easily. The rope clutches for all the other lines are 5 feet in front of the wheel. I did install rollerfurling and all lines were already led aft, but I have not soloed yet! An auto pilot helps when two of us want to raise the chute. Basically I think I can solo with the autopilot, though docking will be a scary bitch. Size definately complicates the issues. When all is well and the weather nice anyone can solo any boat, but when the shit hits the fan more crew is an added bonus.
I recently jumped from a catalina 27 to a 30. I used to singlehand the 27 all the time (auto tiller made life easier, but I still sailed it before I got it). All lines were accessible from the tiller and I had rollerfurling. I only had to leave the tiller to tie the reefing lines in. On my 30 the jib winches are too far from the wheel to manage easily. The rope clutches for all the other lines are 5 feet in front of the wheel. I did install rollerfurling and all lines were already led aft, but I have not soloed yet! An auto pilot helps when two of us want to raise the chute. Basically I think I can solo with the autopilot, though docking will be a scary bitch. Size definately complicates the issues. When all is well and the weather nice anyone can solo any boat, but when the shit hits the fan more crew is an added bonus.
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Stan Rogacevicz srogacev@holycross.edu
Single Handling
Michael, I just moved from a c28 to a c320. On the c28 I used to have the mainsheet at hand at the wheel but I tried it with the c320 - no way - too much force required - it jerked me a couple feet forward. Now I leave the mainsheet on the winch and I am working on leading the mainsheet traveler lines back to the wheel. If there is no one in the way you can simply have those 2 lines at hand at the wheel, cleated at the traveler, and control the main that way. Stan
Michael, I just moved from a c28 to a c320. On the c28 I used to have the mainsheet at hand at the wheel but I tried it with the c320 - no way - too much force required - it jerked me a couple feet forward. Now I leave the mainsheet on the winch and I am working on leading the mainsheet traveler lines back to the wheel. If there is no one in the way you can simply have those 2 lines at hand at the wheel, cleated at the traveler, and control the main that way. Stan
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Bob Camarena
Controlled Gybe
On my C-30, I installed permanently rigged preventers w/2:1 purchase, from mid-boom to the rail, then leading back to cam cleats on the outboard side of the cockpit coaming in reach of the helm. This allows you to easily control a gybe while single-handing and also makes running downwind safer. There are also some hidden advantages: They can be used in lieu of the mainsheet in light winds when single handing (in combination with a boom vang), and were a godsend one time when I experienced an overwrap on the mainsheet winch in high winds by enabling me to take the strain off the mainsheet with the preventer so I could release the wrap. Each preventer (starbord and port) starts from a becket on a block at the rail, turns through a block shackled to a bail on the boom, back to the rail block where it then leads back to the cam cleat.
On my C-30, I installed permanently rigged preventers w/2:1 purchase, from mid-boom to the rail, then leading back to cam cleats on the outboard side of the cockpit coaming in reach of the helm. This allows you to easily control a gybe while single-handing and also makes running downwind safer. There are also some hidden advantages: They can be used in lieu of the mainsheet in light winds when single handing (in combination with a boom vang), and were a godsend one time when I experienced an overwrap on the mainsheet winch in high winds by enabling me to take the strain off the mainsheet with the preventer so I could release the wrap. Each preventer (starbord and port) starts from a becket on a block at the rail, turns through a block shackled to a bail on the boom, back to the rail block where it then leads back to the cam cleat.
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MIKE M.
SINGLE HAND
Dear Mike, I am the proud owner of a Catalina 34MKII. This boat sails like a dream. Due to circumstances of work etc. I sail this boat almost 99% of the time alone. I have found the boat loves light as wellas "heavy air." You can raise the main sail, set the jib and do all of the trimming from the cockpit. All of the lines are led in such a manner you can steer, trim and enjoy all at the same time. The 34MKII turns on a dime. This is really important when you are alone and things get crowded in the inner harbor. I sail out of a marina where we have to navigate a river to get out to deep water. Most of the time I can back off the dock, hoist the main and sail out of the marina. The dealer installed an ST400+ Autopilot with a remote. This is the single most valuable piece of equipment I have on the boat. It allows you the freedom to leave the helm to set or adjust your sails, go below (when conditions allow) have you hands free to enjoy a meal or use the navigating equipment. The remote allows you to stear the boat from the companionway when conditions are really bad as well as from the deck when you want to get some sun or just enjoy sailing this this position. My dealer told me, no he qaranteed me, I could sail this boat alone without crew almost immediately. He was right. I have a two bladed prop (standard on the 34MKII) giving me about 6.5 knots and the boat backs down surprisingly well when leaving the slip or marina. If you a chance take a look at the Catalina 34MKII. I am sure you will be pleasantly surprised. We are very fortunate to have a dealer here in Boston that is 100%. That is Eastern Yacht Sales, Hingham, Ma. They have made purchasing this boat a truly enjoyable experience. Good luck with your decision. "Blaster"
Dear Mike, I am the proud owner of a Catalina 34MKII. This boat sails like a dream. Due to circumstances of work etc. I sail this boat almost 99% of the time alone. I have found the boat loves light as wellas "heavy air." You can raise the main sail, set the jib and do all of the trimming from the cockpit. All of the lines are led in such a manner you can steer, trim and enjoy all at the same time. The 34MKII turns on a dime. This is really important when you are alone and things get crowded in the inner harbor. I sail out of a marina where we have to navigate a river to get out to deep water. Most of the time I can back off the dock, hoist the main and sail out of the marina. The dealer installed an ST400+ Autopilot with a remote. This is the single most valuable piece of equipment I have on the boat. It allows you the freedom to leave the helm to set or adjust your sails, go below (when conditions allow) have you hands free to enjoy a meal or use the navigating equipment. The remote allows you to stear the boat from the companionway when conditions are really bad as well as from the deck when you want to get some sun or just enjoy sailing this this position. My dealer told me, no he qaranteed me, I could sail this boat alone without crew almost immediately. He was right. I have a two bladed prop (standard on the 34MKII) giving me about 6.5 knots and the boat backs down surprisingly well when leaving the slip or marina. If you a chance take a look at the Catalina 34MKII. I am sure you will be pleasantly surprised. We are very fortunate to have a dealer here in Boston that is 100%. That is Eastern Yacht Sales, Hingham, Ma. They have made purchasing this boat a truly enjoyable experience. Good luck with your decision. "Blaster"
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MIKE M.
SINGLE HAND
Dear Mike, I am the proud owner of a Catalina 34MKII. This boat sails like a dream. Due to circumstances of work, etc. I sail this boat almost 99% of the time alone. I have found the boat loves light as well as "heavy air." You can raise the main,set the jib and do all of the trimming from the cockpit. All lines are led in such a manner you can steerand trim all at the same time. The 34MKII turns on a dime. This is really important when you are alone and things get crowded in the inner harbor. I sail out of a marina where we have to navigate a river to get out to deep water. Most of the time I can back off the dock, hoist the main, cut the engine and sail out of the marina. The dealer installed an ST400+ Autopilot with a remote. This is the single most valuable piece of equipment I have on the boat. It allows you the freedom to leave the helm, to set or adjust your sails,go below (when conditions safely allow)and have you hands free to enjoy a meal or use the navigation equipment. The remote allows steering the boat from the companionway when conditions are really bad as well as from the deck when you want to enjoy the sun or sailing from this this position. My dealer told me I could sail this boat alone without crew almost immediately. He was right. I have a two bladed prop (standard on the 34MKII) giving me about 6.5 knots under power. The boat backs down surprisingly well when leaving the slip or marina. If you have a chance take a look at the Catalina 34MKII. I am sure you will be pleasantly surprised. We are very fortunate to have a dealer here in Boston Eastern Yacht Sales, Hingham, Ma. that is great. They have made purchasing this boat a truly enjoyable experience. Good luck with your decision. "Blaster"
Dear Mike, I am the proud owner of a Catalina 34MKII. This boat sails like a dream. Due to circumstances of work, etc. I sail this boat almost 99% of the time alone. I have found the boat loves light as well as "heavy air." You can raise the main,set the jib and do all of the trimming from the cockpit. All lines are led in such a manner you can steerand trim all at the same time. The 34MKII turns on a dime. This is really important when you are alone and things get crowded in the inner harbor. I sail out of a marina where we have to navigate a river to get out to deep water. Most of the time I can back off the dock, hoist the main, cut the engine and sail out of the marina. The dealer installed an ST400+ Autopilot with a remote. This is the single most valuable piece of equipment I have on the boat. It allows you the freedom to leave the helm, to set or adjust your sails,go below (when conditions safely allow)and have you hands free to enjoy a meal or use the navigation equipment. The remote allows steering the boat from the companionway when conditions are really bad as well as from the deck when you want to enjoy the sun or sailing from this this position. My dealer told me I could sail this boat alone without crew almost immediately. He was right. I have a two bladed prop (standard on the 34MKII) giving me about 6.5 knots under power. The boat backs down surprisingly well when leaving the slip or marina. If you have a chance take a look at the Catalina 34MKII. I am sure you will be pleasantly surprised. We are very fortunate to have a dealer here in Boston Eastern Yacht Sales, Hingham, Ma. that is great. They have made purchasing this boat a truly enjoyable experience. Good luck with your decision. "Blaster"
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