H-23 Mast Rake
I have found that when I move the mast forward "less rake", the boat is slow to accelerate from tacking, and slower overall. Just a few degrees more rake really wakes up the boat and allows it to accelerate quickly with only moderate weather helm in winds under 15 to 18 kts. The Hunter 23 is just not very good in winds over 18--20 kts. The only way to improve is to reef, drop your main sheet track to the low side, hard vang, cunningham, and point high to spill air. I am racing my boat most weekends, and have noticed that in moderate winds 10---18 kts the boat is very competitive. In higher winds (18+ kts) I tend to get rounded up, stalled, and fall back from the fleet. I think some of this is due to the rudder being pulled up and out of the water by the excess healing force. I have tried to reef the main or go with the 110% jib, but you may as well go home as the boat is just slow with this set up. The 23 is just not a good high wind boat. I except this fact and just try to hang on during those windy races. I remember some of you talking about adding ballast, or keel extentions, has anyone had good results???? Scott Davis H-23 "No Alibi"
