Hi All, I’m taking possession of a new Hunter 33 in about 2 weeks. I have sailed for years with an older trailerable, but now, nearing retirement, have moved to a boat with all the “stuff!” We (my wife and I) will keep her in San Diego. I would appreciate any suggestions from you about things I should be aware of. Or answer: “If I could do it over again I would….” Suggestions about equipment, operation, comfort, additions, etc. All ideas would be appreciated. Thanks, Craig
Suggestions for a newbee
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Become a diesel mechanic
Take a short course in diesel engines. You said that it is a new boat but that does not mean you will not have engine troubles. Learning what makes your engine work and more important what is likely to make it not work will increase your safety and confidence more than anything else that I can think of.
Take a short course in diesel engines. You said that it is a new boat but that does not mean you will not have engine troubles. Learning what makes your engine work and more important what is likely to make it not work will increase your safety and confidence more than anything else that I can think of.
Thanks
Thanks, Diesel is a whole new game for me. Any suggestions on where to take such a course. Or are there any good books that can be recommended?
Thanks, Diesel is a whole new game for me. Any suggestions on where to take such a course. Or are there any good books that can be recommended?
BOOKS?
Who said books? Nigel Calder's Boatowner's Manual for Mechanical and Electrical Systems. Only book you'll ever need. Try a 2nd eedition, since they have a new 3rd edition out.
Who said books? Nigel Calder's Boatowner's Manual for Mechanical and Electrical Systems. Only book you'll ever need. Try a 2nd eedition, since they have a new 3rd edition out.
Read the charts for SD Harbor...
And if you are in South Bay, follow the channel markers, else you will go aground. I'm in the California Yacht Marina in Chula Vista. Where will you be keeping your boat? And congratulations on the H33.
And if you are in South Bay, follow the channel markers, else you will go aground. I'm in the California Yacht Marina in Chula Vista. Where will you be keeping your boat? And congratulations on the H33.
Shelter Island
At this point it will be Shelter Island. As we get the lay of the land( no pun intended) we may make adjustments.
At this point it will be Shelter Island. As we get the lay of the land( no pun intended) we may make adjustments.
Not looking for problems
As a response to higgs, We are certainly not looking for problems, and will take each as it comes. We are more interested in those of you who are seasoned, having the experience to pass on some of your ideas to us. Some things to look out for, some things to try.
As a response to higgs, We are certainly not looking for problems, and will take each as it comes. We are more interested in those of you who are seasoned, having the experience to pass on some of your ideas to us. Some things to look out for, some things to try.
What Equipement?????
What equipement are you getting on the boat. When I got my 2001-290 the dealer had the head guy go over everything from soup to nuts on the boat. I also took sailing lesson's for a full week on my boat which my wife requested,I went from sailing hobie cats to a full keel so it really helped us out with what everything on the boat was for,no guessing while out on the water sailing the first few times. I am getting a new 36 next year and the dealer already told me they will do the same thing going over everything and how all the new equipement works and all the do's and don't. Good luck and enjoy you will love sailing a new hunter they are very easy to sail.
What equipement are you getting on the boat. When I got my 2001-290 the dealer had the head guy go over everything from soup to nuts on the boat. I also took sailing lesson's for a full week on my boat which my wife requested,I went from sailing hobie cats to a full keel so it really helped us out with what everything on the boat was for,no guessing while out on the water sailing the first few times. I am getting a new 36 next year and the dealer already told me they will do the same thing going over everything and how all the new equipement works and all the do's and don't. Good luck and enjoy you will love sailing a new hunter they are very easy to sail.
Lessons for the wife without you around
When we traded up to the C350 (our third boat), we had already learned quite a bit about sailing. I would try to pass on my experience to the admiral but as is usually the case, I was not the best teacher and the relationship got in the way. When our new boat was splashed for the first time I hired a female sailing instructor to spend the day on the boat with my wife. They went out the day after the shakedown cruise which was performed in high winds. The broker, who is a racer, shook her up pretty good as he demonstrated how well the boat could handle 25 knot winds with all sails up. The instructor did a great job of repairing her damaged confidence. She demonstrated heaving to and reefing sails among other things. It was the best money we ever spent on sailing especially since it took place right after that scary ride with the broker. That reminds me, learn how to heave to with your new boat and practice the technique in high winds when you get the chance.
When we traded up to the C350 (our third boat), we had already learned quite a bit about sailing. I would try to pass on my experience to the admiral but as is usually the case, I was not the best teacher and the relationship got in the way. When our new boat was splashed for the first time I hired a female sailing instructor to spend the day on the boat with my wife. They went out the day after the shakedown cruise which was performed in high winds. The broker, who is a racer, shook her up pretty good as he demonstrated how well the boat could handle 25 knot winds with all sails up. The instructor did a great job of repairing her damaged confidence. She demonstrated heaving to and reefing sails among other things. It was the best money we ever spent on sailing especially since it took place right after that scary ride with the broker. That reminds me, learn how to heave to with your new boat and practice the technique in high winds when you get the chance.
take it slow
Hi Craig - congratulations on the new boat and retirement. "Suggestions about equipment, operation, comfort, additions, etc." Equipment Don't rush. Over time you'll learn yourself what you need and don't - everybody's different. More equipment leads to more expenses, more maintenance, and possibly more worries. The one exception is safety equipment - in addition to the USCG minimum, get CO detectors, inflatable life vests for comfort and safety, and a retrieval system like the Lifesling. I've found that the more I research before I buy/upgrade the more I understand the equipment. Operation We just upgraded to a new boat this past season. With every trip, I learn more about the boat - from how to maintain and troubleshoot systems to handling. For our Diesel, I arranged for a mechanic to perform the 1st complete service interval and the winterization while I assisted/watched. This included everything from valve adjustments to changing the impellor. I read a lot (e.g., Caldor's book) before and watching and talking to an expert while he worked for 4 hours on my engine on my boat helped give me some extra confidence. Read every manual you can get - almost all are available on the manufacturer's web sites. After about 7 months with my boat, I've traced most wires, connections, and plumbing. I've lifted every floor board and stuck my head in every nook and cranny possible. Just spending an hour here and there tracing these items has helped my understand the boat which in turn gives confidence. There are still some mysteries (like some of my electrical wiring) but I've documented critical items, e.g., a diagram with every through hull. This winter I'm going to add the size of each through hull to my diagram and purchase a wood plug for each one and tie it in place for emergencies. Comfort My wife took over the "decorating" which helped keep her involved and excited. While I researched anchors, dinghies, etc., she was off buying cushions, throw pillows, dishes, matching towels, etc. She had fun and it helped make the boat "hers" - although I suspect we'll only bring back about 25% of these items in the Spring!!! Additions Same comments as those for equipment. After lifting my outboard onto the dinghy several times, it was clear that I needed some help - I researched and purchased an outboard lift. After anchoring several times, I don't have a good place to tie off my nylon rode - this winter I'm going to add a cleat in my anchor locker. Many additions will be based on your boat, your sailing habits, your interests, your needs, your budget, etc. Good luck!!
Hi Craig - congratulations on the new boat and retirement. "Suggestions about equipment, operation, comfort, additions, etc." Equipment Don't rush. Over time you'll learn yourself what you need and don't - everybody's different. More equipment leads to more expenses, more maintenance, and possibly more worries. The one exception is safety equipment - in addition to the USCG minimum, get CO detectors, inflatable life vests for comfort and safety, and a retrieval system like the Lifesling. I've found that the more I research before I buy/upgrade the more I understand the equipment. Operation We just upgraded to a new boat this past season. With every trip, I learn more about the boat - from how to maintain and troubleshoot systems to handling. For our Diesel, I arranged for a mechanic to perform the 1st complete service interval and the winterization while I assisted/watched. This included everything from valve adjustments to changing the impellor. I read a lot (e.g., Caldor's book) before and watching and talking to an expert while he worked for 4 hours on my engine on my boat helped give me some extra confidence. Read every manual you can get - almost all are available on the manufacturer's web sites. After about 7 months with my boat, I've traced most wires, connections, and plumbing. I've lifted every floor board and stuck my head in every nook and cranny possible. Just spending an hour here and there tracing these items has helped my understand the boat which in turn gives confidence. There are still some mysteries (like some of my electrical wiring) but I've documented critical items, e.g., a diagram with every through hull. This winter I'm going to add the size of each through hull to my diagram and purchase a wood plug for each one and tie it in place for emergencies. Comfort My wife took over the "decorating" which helped keep her involved and excited. While I researched anchors, dinghies, etc., she was off buying cushions, throw pillows, dishes, matching towels, etc. She had fun and it helped make the boat "hers" - although I suspect we'll only bring back about 25% of these items in the Spring!!! Additions Same comments as those for equipment. After lifting my outboard onto the dinghy several times, it was clear that I needed some help - I researched and purchased an outboard lift. After anchoring several times, I don't have a good place to tie off my nylon rode - this winter I'm going to add a cleat in my anchor locker. Many additions will be based on your boat, your sailing habits, your interests, your needs, your budget, etc. Good luck!!
congrats!
First: Congratulations on the new boat. After that I am totally with MJB on this. Beside the obvious safety equipment. Learn to use what is already on the boat and how to 'play' with it if become 'temperamental'(I hate saying saying 'repair' or 'broke' sound too much like work!). See how the boat perform for the type of sailing you are doing; Would an asymetrical spinaker be fun? Or should you ask your sail loft to add a second reef to that main? How about spending 40$ on a mast wind indicator, and spend hours trimming the sail to perfections? Do you like spending the time at the helm and adjusting course as per your compass or would you prefer 'Otto' (the autopilot) to take charge? When you find something you really need, and after finding which of the hundreds of model you really like, it is time to spend a moment thinking where you will put it. If after installing this beautiful nautical brass oil lamp on the port bulkhead you realise that you cannot stretch and lean against the bulkhead with a good book as you aways did, the lamp is in the wrong spot! Same thing with every thing you add on the boat. Also think of adding things you will enjoy for a while, for example I found myself interested in HAM radio and so I got one, that means 'Otto' will have to wait. I plan on taking the courses and geting the licences it is all part of the fun of boating. One last thing, that piece of electronic you are drooling for? Rest assure there will be a better, more powerful, smaller unit at halft the price tomorrow. That is just the reality with electronics. My 2¢ a.
First: Congratulations on the new boat. After that I am totally with MJB on this. Beside the obvious safety equipment. Learn to use what is already on the boat and how to 'play' with it if become 'temperamental'(I hate saying saying 'repair' or 'broke' sound too much like work!). See how the boat perform for the type of sailing you are doing; Would an asymetrical spinaker be fun? Or should you ask your sail loft to add a second reef to that main? How about spending 40$ on a mast wind indicator, and spend hours trimming the sail to perfections? Do you like spending the time at the helm and adjusting course as per your compass or would you prefer 'Otto' (the autopilot) to take charge? When you find something you really need, and after finding which of the hundreds of model you really like, it is time to spend a moment thinking where you will put it. If after installing this beautiful nautical brass oil lamp on the port bulkhead you realise that you cannot stretch and lean against the bulkhead with a good book as you aways did, the lamp is in the wrong spot! Same thing with every thing you add on the boat. Also think of adding things you will enjoy for a while, for example I found myself interested in HAM radio and so I got one, that means 'Otto' will have to wait. I plan on taking the courses and geting the licences it is all part of the fun of boating. One last thing, that piece of electronic you are drooling for? Rest assure there will be a better, more powerful, smaller unit at halft the price tomorrow. That is just the reality with electronics. My 2¢ a.
Shelter Island
Is a nice location. Easy access to the ocean or north bay sailing. If you venture out to the ocean, be aware of the kelp beds right off Point Loma to the north. Being in Chula Vista, it take me 4 hours to get to the ocean, so I don't go. But I will move up north in about 1.5 years or so. Just still waiting for an opening in Oceanside or Camp Pendleton. Enjoy the boat and bay sailing.
Is a nice location. Easy access to the ocean or north bay sailing. If you venture out to the ocean, be aware of the kelp beds right off Point Loma to the north. Being in Chula Vista, it take me 4 hours to get to the ocean, so I don't go. But I will move up north in about 1.5 years or so. Just still waiting for an opening in Oceanside or Camp Pendleton. Enjoy the boat and bay sailing.
Thanks to all
A great big thank you to all who replied. What a wonderful family (all you sailers) we are joining. So willing to spend your time sharing your thoughts with another sailer you have never met! I hope we will all cross paths some day. Thanks again, Craig
A great big thank you to all who replied. What a wonderful family (all you sailers) we are joining. So willing to spend your time sharing your thoughts with another sailer you have never met! I hope we will all cross paths some day. Thanks again, Craig
I was trying to do just what you asked....
You wnated to know about thing one should be aware of. After 30 years of boat ownership I was trying to tell you what I have learned - sorry if you did not like my answer. Boats are one problem after another, but that is what makes them so much fun. I cannot imagine life w/o a boat.
You wnated to know about thing one should be aware of. After 30 years of boat ownership I was trying to tell you what I have learned - sorry if you did not like my answer. Boats are one problem after another, but that is what makes them so much fun. I cannot imagine life w/o a boat.
Cart Before the Horse
Over a dozen replies, but no one has asked the first question: How do you intend to use the boat? What size was your trailerable, and how did you use that one? When we know that, the advice can become less generic. Fair Winds, Jeff
Over a dozen replies, but no one has asked the first question: How do you intend to use the boat? What size was your trailerable, and how did you use that one? When we know that, the advice can become less generic. Fair Winds, Jeff
Diesel course
Many school systems now have vocational/technical education curriculums. They often offer adult ed. courses as well in subjects like welding and diesels. Your local community college probably has a program also. Most have a mix of book work and practical hands-on labs. Take the "basic diesel" course and do not worry too much that it's not exactly "your" engine being studied. You'll meet a lot of people in the trades and that will come in handy down the road when you need cheap advise!
Many school systems now have vocational/technical education curriculums. They often offer adult ed. courses as well in subjects like welding and diesels. Your local community college probably has a program also. Most have a mix of book work and practical hands-on labs. Take the "basic diesel" course and do not worry too much that it's not exactly "your" engine being studied. You'll meet a lot of people in the trades and that will come in handy down the road when you need cheap advise!
The Natural Curve
Thanks, Craig, for the information. Having aspirations for daysailing first, marina/island hopping next, then real coastal cruising is a prudent plan, which says a lot about your common sense and basic temerament as an erstwhile skipper. The H33 is a platform that will let you do all of it in incremental steps. I echo others' recommendations, and have included a few peculiar ones of my own: 1) get familiar with your boat's deck equipment and workings, and become familiar with its behavior on daysails in all kinds of conditions. Focus on learning sail handling/trim (including de-powering and reefing), basic boathandling skills, like tacking/gybing, keeping a course toward a mark (like a distant landmark), noting how the boat behaves in different wind and sea states, how to heave-to, and how to read/use charts and any electronics, like GPS, you may have/buy. Have a thorough working knowledge of the deck equipment and the standing and running rigging, and its function, INSPECTION, maintenance and repair. Of course, docking skills will be gained at the end of every outing. Get those manuals and dig in; perform standard maintenance like oil/filter changes, zinc replacements on heat exchangers, whatever applies to your powertrain and its support systems. Take covers off and see where your electrical/plumbing routing goes, what valves and switches do what, etc., so that it all becomes familiar territory. Implicit in that is to have a basic tool kit that in addition to wrenches, sockets, drivers, etc., incudes a multi-meter, connectors, shrink-wrap, etc. And rags. Lots of rags. Become a safety-minded skipper: devise and stick to protocols you create about who is wearing what, in terms of safety equipment, in which conditions, and who is allowed to go forward, wearing what equipment (harness/tether, etc.) in what conditions. Study and practice Man-Overboard routines in pleasant, then challenging, wind/sea states. What will she do in case YOU go over? Learn routine and emergency use of your VHF radio, maybe creating "cheat sheet" cards kept in your nav table, for proper/efficient use of the radio in a variety of circumstances, including a breakdown of which channels are earmarked for what use: hailing, commercial, distress, boat-to-boat, etc. Note: I'd buy an auto-pilot before a GPS at this place in my learning curve. A fabulous piece of gizmo-kit. 2) provision up for a few days and make the trip to Catalina when you know a bit about your motor and other basic systems, have done some maintenance, and can do some rudimentary trouble-shooting, and are confident about your ability to adjust to quickly-changing coastal weather; these trips, while pleasant and rewarding in themselves, can be used as short "training voyages," letting you practice just about everything you would do on a longer trip, and have the convenience of shopping/fuel/showers/parts & service, etc. at your fingertips, so you can have that safety net. When on the mooring, note the equipment other skippers are using that you might like to add to your Christmas list to make life more convenient: I have my eye on an outboard motor crane right now that will eliminate man-handling my heavy, four-stroke motor to and from the stern rail and dinghy transom. Also surveil boats around you that are anchoring (I don't know about Avalon, but at the Isthmus, where I go, boats anchor in several places in Isthmus Cove). When you feel confident, you can try it yourself, maybe in the off-season when you'll have few neighbors and plenty of room to make beginning mistakes. Use this time to learn about your electrical systems sans shore power: husbanding your electrical resources, battery-charging routines (you'll begin to form ideas about which route you want to go for charging: engine alternator (with or without improved controller), generators, solar panels, wind generators. It's a wonderland of Carroll-ian proportions that will make your head spin and push you to much research/opinion-gathering before you decide what's right for you. 3) after you've had problems to solve (and in a couple of seasons, you will have plenty) and those experiences under your keel, you will know when it's time to cast your eyes on the horizon. It's gonna be a great season of your life: enjoy! Jeff
Thanks, Craig, for the information. Having aspirations for daysailing first, marina/island hopping next, then real coastal cruising is a prudent plan, which says a lot about your common sense and basic temerament as an erstwhile skipper. The H33 is a platform that will let you do all of it in incremental steps. I echo others' recommendations, and have included a few peculiar ones of my own: 1) get familiar with your boat's deck equipment and workings, and become familiar with its behavior on daysails in all kinds of conditions. Focus on learning sail handling/trim (including de-powering and reefing), basic boathandling skills, like tacking/gybing, keeping a course toward a mark (like a distant landmark), noting how the boat behaves in different wind and sea states, how to heave-to, and how to read/use charts and any electronics, like GPS, you may have/buy. Have a thorough working knowledge of the deck equipment and the standing and running rigging, and its function, INSPECTION, maintenance and repair. Of course, docking skills will be gained at the end of every outing. Get those manuals and dig in; perform standard maintenance like oil/filter changes, zinc replacements on heat exchangers, whatever applies to your powertrain and its support systems. Take covers off and see where your electrical/plumbing routing goes, what valves and switches do what, etc., so that it all becomes familiar territory. Implicit in that is to have a basic tool kit that in addition to wrenches, sockets, drivers, etc., incudes a multi-meter, connectors, shrink-wrap, etc. And rags. Lots of rags. Become a safety-minded skipper: devise and stick to protocols you create about who is wearing what, in terms of safety equipment, in which conditions, and who is allowed to go forward, wearing what equipment (harness/tether, etc.) in what conditions. Study and practice Man-Overboard routines in pleasant, then challenging, wind/sea states. What will she do in case YOU go over? Learn routine and emergency use of your VHF radio, maybe creating "cheat sheet" cards kept in your nav table, for proper/efficient use of the radio in a variety of circumstances, including a breakdown of which channels are earmarked for what use: hailing, commercial, distress, boat-to-boat, etc. Note: I'd buy an auto-pilot before a GPS at this place in my learning curve. A fabulous piece of gizmo-kit. 2) provision up for a few days and make the trip to Catalina when you know a bit about your motor and other basic systems, have done some maintenance, and can do some rudimentary trouble-shooting, and are confident about your ability to adjust to quickly-changing coastal weather; these trips, while pleasant and rewarding in themselves, can be used as short "training voyages," letting you practice just about everything you would do on a longer trip, and have the convenience of shopping/fuel/showers/parts & service, etc. at your fingertips, so you can have that safety net. When on the mooring, note the equipment other skippers are using that you might like to add to your Christmas list to make life more convenient: I have my eye on an outboard motor crane right now that will eliminate man-handling my heavy, four-stroke motor to and from the stern rail and dinghy transom. Also surveil boats around you that are anchoring (I don't know about Avalon, but at the Isthmus, where I go, boats anchor in several places in Isthmus Cove). When you feel confident, you can try it yourself, maybe in the off-season when you'll have few neighbors and plenty of room to make beginning mistakes. Use this time to learn about your electrical systems sans shore power: husbanding your electrical resources, battery-charging routines (you'll begin to form ideas about which route you want to go for charging: engine alternator (with or without improved controller), generators, solar panels, wind generators. It's a wonderland of Carroll-ian proportions that will make your head spin and push you to much research/opinion-gathering before you decide what's right for you. 3) after you've had problems to solve (and in a couple of seasons, you will have plenty) and those experiences under your keel, you will know when it's time to cast your eyes on the horizon. It's gonna be a great season of your life: enjoy! Jeff
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