typhoon weekender seaworthiness

[jkimberley]

i am planning a 300 mile coastal passage aboard my typhoon and would like to know if anyone out there has experience with heavy weather aboard their typhoon weekender??? specifically: 1) has anyone had a knockdown and what happened? 2) does the boat need flotation added or is it ok with hatch shut and lockers locked? 3) does the boat need a storm jib or is it ok with 2 reefs in main and no headsail; will the boat balance out with just the reefed mainsail? 4) has anyone ever used a storm anchor? 5) has the cockpit beeb pooped and how long did it take to drain? 6) self-steering?

any response to these questions will be greatly appreciated...

sincerely,

captain j



jkimberley@aol.com

[Greg Lutzow]

You'll need to add a pump of some type. I use a Whale Gusher mounted vetically near the tiller. In heavy weather I found that the boat will take on some water through the hatch; not much, but enough that you'll appreciate having the bulge pump. The boat is best sailed with a balanced rig; ie, main and jib. Using just the main alone will cause the helm to be heavy, plus if you fall off the wind handling can become a problem. Remember; the characteristic of any boat changes in heavy weather. I've never been knocked down in my Typhoon. Doesn't mean it can't happen. Just hasn't happened to me. Remove the forward vent, if installed, and plug the resulting hole. Avoid meeting any wave head on. I try to sail at angles to the waves.; if the wind allows of course. The cockpit can fill, especially with a following sea. When it does it will take long enough to drain that you will see some water below decks. Secure your seat lockers. THEY CAN POP OPEN. Use a lock or run a bolt through the hole. CHECK YOUR MAST SEAT AND CABIN TOP AND SIDES for any stress cracks and repair them. Install a brace below decks for the mast, if it not aready installed. Any sturdy piece of lumber, such as oak, will perform admirably. Insure that the brace is properly secured to prevent it from moving. Heavy weather will subject the standing rigging to a considerable amount of stress. TUNE YOUR RIG!!! The boat is a sturdy ship, well designed and able to handle a fair amount of weather. Don't go looking for a fight of course. With a properly tuned and balanced rig the ship will round up and save itself. Used this once or twice myself. Don't fight the boat, she'll talk to you. Listen to her and work together. I sail mine without an engine. It's never had an engine. I sail on and off a mooring. Have since I purchased her in 1980. Consequently, I can't tell you how she will handle with a motor hanging off the back. This does shift the center of effort as well as causing the boat to sail low in the stern.

Good luck!
Greg in Florida



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