What is the difference in sailing characterists of the water balast boats like the 23.5 and 240 and those of say the Hunter 22 or 23. I am looking at a 23.5. thanks, Brian
Water Balast sailing
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H-26
We have a 94 H-26 water ballast - we came from a swing keel Catalina 22. The 26 is a bit tender the first five degrees or so - but my experience - after that - it sails very well.
We have a 94 H-26 water ballast - we came from a swing keel Catalina 22. The 26 is a bit tender the first five degrees or so - but my experience - after that - it sails very well.
Mine's an H240
The WB boats are a little beamier, maybe a little more sensitive at first, and they should load and trailer a little eaisier with less weight carried around. Gotta like leaving 1200lbs of ballast at the ramp. Have been told and expeienced that these boats sail better as flat/upright as possible and should be reefed earlier than one would think. I've been tweaking mine for a year from all the best ideas on this board (and a few of my own) and it's really made us happy. I'm a hammer head for simpler systems and an abundance of gadgets anyway. Know for sure that these WB and Keel trailer boats are coastal/bay boats with all the limitations so have fun within sight of shore. The more I use it the more I like it. Good luck. Michael
The WB boats are a little beamier, maybe a little more sensitive at first, and they should load and trailer a little eaisier with less weight carried around. Gotta like leaving 1200lbs of ballast at the ramp. Have been told and expeienced that these boats sail better as flat/upright as possible and should be reefed earlier than one would think. I've been tweaking mine for a year from all the best ideas on this board (and a few of my own) and it's really made us happy. I'm a hammer head for simpler systems and an abundance of gadgets anyway. Know for sure that these WB and Keel trailer boats are coastal/bay boats with all the limitations so have fun within sight of shore. The more I use it the more I like it. Good luck. Michael
'93 23.5
I'm pretty happy with the '93 23.5 I bought in '02. I only trailer it to and from the marina twice a year but plan to trailer it to other places later. The water balast makes it a lot easier to trailer, launch and retreive than a fixed keel (MHO). It is a bit on the tender side but I think most boats in that size range are. I have to agree with the reef early idea especially with the admiral on board.
I'm pretty happy with the '93 23.5 I bought in '02. I only trailer it to and from the marina twice a year but plan to trailer it to other places later. The water balast makes it a lot easier to trailer, launch and retreive than a fixed keel (MHO). It is a bit on the tender side but I think most boats in that size range are. I have to agree with the reef early idea especially with the admiral on board.
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