Travelers, boom vangs, solar-H27

[Linda]

I've just purchased a H27 and am thinking about adding a boom vang and traveler. I've heard a lot about weather helm. Have any of you done this? If so, where did you mount the traveler? I'm thinking on the cabin top.Also thinking about solar panels since I'll be on a mooring. Any suggestions with regard to placement and otherwise. Thank You! Linda

 

[Rich18890]

Boom vang yes Traveler no

LindaI would put the boom vang on now but you may wait and sail her a little before you put the traveler on. I have found that my 27 sails pretty well with the setup she has. As far as weather helm. My boat has a deep keel. I have found she’s very good when the wind is up. If she is over canvassed and she’s tacking into a strong wind she’ll go over to about 20 Deg. Then the rudder will become somewhat unresponsive. As this happens she will start to head up into the wind. It’s a pretty forgiving boat. She feels Like a tank when the surfs up. I’ve had mine out about 20 miles off the Maine coast. I think You will find that your Hunter sails a whole lot better than a lot of people with bigger boats who have never sailed one think. She may not be the fastest thing around but she is very sea worthy.

 

[Ron Vanderveer]

Get the reefing lines set up

LindaMuch discussion has been done on these sites about this, and I would venture to summarize this way: the Hunters in general, but the 27s especially (which we own as well) have to be reefed "earlier" than some other comparable sized boats. Our 1982 is a 4'6" fin keel with standard main and furling jib. If we get in to anything over 15 knots of wind, we really start to suffer from weather helm. If a gust comes along, the boat will head up whether you want it to or not!So, keep an eye on the wind, and reef the meain earlier rather than later. That almost always solves any weather helm problems.Good sailing!Ron Vanderveer