I'm looking for ways to improve my stock H320's speed, mostly because I'm tired of being way back in the pack on "fun race" days. What have folks done to their boats to speed them up? I know I own a cruiser, not a racer, but still, things can be done. I race on a Synergy 1000, so I've learned some lessons there, but I'm just looking for ideas - what do you think makes the most difference? What to try first? Here are some ideas: Go from 3 bladed prop to 2, or to folding prop Tear out all the furniture to save weight Buy a bigger jib Learn how to trim sails better Stop hauling around all those drinks!
The need for speed
- Thread starter Sailor Joe20804
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Main sail plan
What is your current mainsail? Is this a case where you really like the convenience of the roller furling MS but want the performance of a full batten sail? And just how slow is the 320?
What is your current mainsail? Is this a case where you really like the convenience of the roller furling MS but want the performance of a full batten sail? And just how slow is the 320?
Tuner Version Hunter 320
You seem to have a lot going for you on a boat-to-boat basis. I looked at the SA/DP ratio for a Catalina 320 and Hunter 320. The Hunter is 20.66 and the Catalina at 23.19. I think that's figured at 100 percent jib. You should do well in comparison. The Catalina 320 is well raced on the left coast and does well. However, the good boats all have: lots of jib overlap, enhanced sail shaping controls, smooth bottoms, folding or feathering props and most have non-factory sails. In addition, they are regularly raced and have good crew. IMHO, if you apply that to your Hunter, you should do very well. I'd start with more practice, Don's sail trim book and charts, folding prop, sails and bottom. Let's see what Alan says (that shy performance sailor...*5) Rick D.
You seem to have a lot going for you on a boat-to-boat basis. I looked at the SA/DP ratio for a Catalina 320 and Hunter 320. The Hunter is 20.66 and the Catalina at 23.19. I think that's figured at 100 percent jib. You should do well in comparison. The Catalina 320 is well raced on the left coast and does well. However, the good boats all have: lots of jib overlap, enhanced sail shaping controls, smooth bottoms, folding or feathering props and most have non-factory sails. In addition, they are regularly raced and have good crew. IMHO, if you apply that to your Hunter, you should do very well. I'd start with more practice, Don's sail trim book and charts, folding prop, sails and bottom. Let's see what Alan says (that shy performance sailor...*5) Rick D.
Main isn't furled
I have the non-furled, full batten main. The 320 isn't that slow, I think PHRF runs about 180, I'm just fishing for opinions. Heavy, fat boat + light wind = not so quick
I have the non-furled, full batten main. The 320 isn't that slow, I think PHRF runs about 180, I'm just fishing for opinions. Heavy, fat boat + light wind = not so quick
For sure!!
Rick, you seem to have covered it pretty well!! Practice, good sails, practice, fast bottom, practice, good crew, and practice. A key mistake that I see many many skipper make is that they stop driving to direct crew, call tactics, watch sail trim and watch the competition. Driving well is a FULL TIME job that demands a high degree of consentration. You cannot do this job and handle sail trim or other things. I have a crew boss on my boat for those jobs, I drive the bus, period. ...and what do you mean, shy???
Rick, you seem to have covered it pretty well!! Practice, good sails, practice, fast bottom, practice, good crew, and practice. A key mistake that I see many many skipper make is that they stop driving to direct crew, call tactics, watch sail trim and watch the competition. Driving well is a FULL TIME job that demands a high degree of consentration. You cannot do this job and handle sail trim or other things. I have a crew boss on my boat for those jobs, I drive the bus, period. ...and what do you mean, shy???
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