small boat handling coming in an inlet

[Bob 04 H260]

Well we made it to Florida fine, are provisoning and preparing for our trip. We intend to go down the ICW from Stuart to the Keys. I have done some power boating on the ocean and was always happy to have that power to maintain control while coming in an inlet with a big wave passing me. So what is the technique with a small underpowered sailboat with a big rudder ? How do you keep it tracking straight and stop from being turned and rolled over ?

 

[Ed Schenck]

Good question Bob. It can be pretty scary even in my H37C. Two things that come to mind are timing the tide and timing the fishing fleet. We went in at Atlantic City with the fleet and the flood tide. Really need to time it close to slack tide and not a host of power craft. Some inlets are wide and deep and there will be no problems. But those narrow and shallow ones. . . .

 

[Relentless]

Bob, I sail out of Hillsboro Inlet and have been in most of the inlets from Stuart south to Miami. We had a 240 for a couple of years. If you can avoid the inlets on an out going tide with an east wind, thats best. Usually the swells come in sets from 5 to 10, if you can sit and watch the sets come in then pick your timing accordingly you should not have a problem. Stay away from Boca inlet unless it's a real nice day, Goverment cut in Miami is one you don't want to use on an out going tide if there is any wind from the east, I have sailed out of there in my C36 and been completely vertical, wife is still freaked out about that.

 

[cephius (Dave)]

Bob,
I've handled sailboats from 6' to 90'. In my opinion the H260 under power is the worst boat I've ever driven.

Take Rlentless's advice and learn the best (flattest) time to enter and exit inlets. Wait out the bad times.

Keep your keel down as often as you can. Keep your fresh water tank full (keeps your bow down). If you haven't added a motor-to-rudder link, get one. It's critical that you be able to point the thrust of the prop on this boat and at $80 (Cabela's) there's no excuse not to have one. Mod Link

 

[Bob 04 H260]

thanks

thanks for the advice guys, I will be careful and try to avoid getting myself into trouble. I think slack tide is the best advice.

Dave: I have the rudder/motor linkage and find it does a great job. With respect, I in fact I like the way the H260 handles (very relative I suppose). With the large rudder I find it has a lot of control with very little way on, I like this feature when docking. I can put it into anything in reverse, it will stop on a dime going in either direction. It would be better if the rudder turned more and did not draw 4 ft. I'm sure I can learn to live with that. I am in a sailing club with over 500 wet slips, I don't feel the 260 behaves any differently than most of the other boats I see docking around me. Having the motor controls at the wheel make a big difference for me. I am accustomed to docking a boat with my back to the bow hanging over the transom running the motor !
I only bought this boat last spring so do not have a lot of experience with it. I may agree with you in the future. I appreciate your time and advice.
Bob

 

[Ed Schenck]

Just went back to take another look at your pictures Bob. Palm trees! I am so envious, it is 6 degrees here in Ohio this morning. Have a ball down there.

 

[Bob 04 H260]

I'll try Ed , looking forward to the trip, do not have to back home until mid-April, but we will have to see how long we can stay on a 26' boat,
Bob

 

[Ed Schenck]

Are you headed for the Keys? Seems I remember something about that. Be prepared to anchor. They wanted $3.50 a foot at the gas dock when we got in late one night at Marathon. You will be able to choose which side of the Keys with your draft. We sailed south side, the Hawk channel. I understand the north side, Florida Bay, has a lot more crab pots. But if you are sailing no problem.