Buying a Typhoon Senior

[David Morton]

Currently I'm looking at a Typhoon Senior as a first entry into sailing and my Cape Dory saga. I understand it is really a day sailor and not configured for significant cruising, but it is available, clean, and owned by an retired engineer ( read "obsessive, compulsive") which can only be a good thing! and well- equipped with only 10 hours on a new outboard.
I have sailed both J-22s and Sea Sprite 23 and my only concern with the TS is what seems to me to be a frequent complaint of excessive weather helm. Any comments by current or previous Typhoon Senior sailors would be appreciated. Any suggestions about pitfalls in buying a TY Senior and what to pay special attention to when evaluating a used TY Senior would also be very helpful.

David

[trapper]

One of my favorite boats of all time was my Cape Dory 22. While I used her as a day sailer, I think we could have cruised on her. The Ty Sr. has the same hull. I think the cabin may be a little smaller and laid out differently and it has the engine in the well but they are very similar. I currently sail a Cape Dory 25D and I also race a Pearson Ensign (Alberg designed 22' day sailer) which is very similar to the Ty Sr. and CD22 but a lot less freeboard and no self draining cockpit. The Ensign has a very neutral helm which is great for racing. I would set the boat up differently if I were just cruising to give it a little bit of weather helm. Lots of folks complain about the weather helm in the Cape Dory in general, not just the Ty. Personally, I have had 2 Tys (day sailer and weekender), the 22 and 25D and I don't think it is that bad. When cruising, I like the fact that if I turn loose of the helm the boat will turn to weather. I might feel differently if the boat rounded up all the time or if I were racing it. Go for the Ty Sr., a lovely little boat!

[John Martin]

We had the pleasure to see Ty Sr hull #1, many years ago, when it was introduced at the Annapolis Sailboat Show.

As for the weather helm, try flattening the mainsail, and carry the traveler just off-center and down wind. You should get a nice balance.

John

[Doug Hill]

I owned a TY Senior and did not find weather helm a problem. The only reason I sold her was because my wife said, "It would be nice to stand up." Sounded like a perfect reason to get a bigger boat to me.

Fair Winds,
Doug

[Dave H]

Hi David,

Typhoon Senior is a fractional rig with a very large mainsail. Ty S is a masterpiece of sailboat design and construction. I've sailed "Puffin" since 05. I recommend 2 reef points in the main. The solution to weather helm is reefing. Today I sailed in very light air with the main full, and a 1.5 oz drifter. My friend was amazed by our speed.

Dave

[CaptDavey]

Hi,

I'm going to sell my TyS. Let me know if you have any interest.

Thx,
David

[David Morton]

Thanx for the reply. I have actually opted for a CD 25D which I bought a few weeks ago. So far she hasn't disappointed. She needs some engine work, new sails are being sewn as we speak, and a she is begging for a bit of a cosmetic makeover. Mostly, I need to up my DIY game.