Can a Hunter 31 be swamped?

jgruer · #1 (**permalink**) 05-02-2010

I am not a sailor but sailed on SF Bay yesterday. We had a very strong wind that had all the novices hanging on for dear life. When asked if the boat could tip over the skipper said "Only if there was a 60 mph gust".

It was a great day, with the exception of our anxiety when we were really leaning hard.

So ... Can a Hunter 31 tip? and what would it take to get there?

Faster · #2 (**permalink**) 05-02-2010

It would take a lot of wind and big seas to 'swamp' any decent keelboat. The heeling over that is part of sailing, esp in a breeze and going upwind, is the first and steepest part of a newbie's learning curve.

The good news is, even if (due to conditions or perhaps bad handling) the boat did get "knocked down" as we say (essentially heeling 90 degrees or more) the boat will right itself once the forces are released. The "one hand for the boat, one hand for you" rule will help keep everyone on board in those circumstances, and that, of course, is rule #1 (and #2, and #3... you get the drift...)

deniseO30 · #3 (**permalink**) 05-02-2010

The captain of the boat was rude and inconsiderate of the guests! He also proved that he's irresponsible, self centered and not as good a sailor as he thinks he is!

I don't care why "yall" were out there! You and other new to sailing guests should have been informed of what was going to happen, not told to hang on for dear life. Also ,the captian should have reduced sail area to make the boat more "friendly" to newbies.

But your org question is no, but yes, if it's bad weather. (storm like) and all the ports, windows, and entrance ways were open.

Nope, no way, is it right to scare or intimidate newbies just because he's on a ego or adrenalin trip.

scraph · #4 (**permalink**) 05-02-2010

Oh my, that's a lot of strong words and drawn conclusions from minimal information given. I've had passengers ask if the boat is going to tip in response to a minimal amount of heel and that was after delivering my standard 'basic terminology, how can I help, safety, and sailing' brief. If the skipper was serious about no knockdown until 60mph ... then he very well may have reduced sail area.

sck5 · #5 (**permalink**) 05-02-2010

wind alone would have a tough time doing it since the more the heel the more the wind spills from the sails - at 90 degrees there is no wind in the sails at all but the boat will stop tipping before that.

It is the waves together with the wind that could do it but it is hard to imagine a large enough breaking wave in SF Bay. I have never been there so I could be wrong but it is hard to imagine it could happen.

deniseO30 · #6 (**permalink**) 05-02-2010

Yes, my words were strong.. I only wish I were there. jgruer must have been concerned or shook up enough that he or she joined and posted here on sailnet.

When a guest says: is "I'm not a sailor, and I've never sailed before" Right then is when the captain should slow down and show good seaman ship by making the trip enjoyable. Not try to show the newbies how "scary" it is. when novices are hanging on for dear life something is wrong also.. it's far from right or ok to put newbies in such a situation when they ask questions for reassurance and out of fear.

jgruer, would or will you go sailing again? Would you go on that boat again?

jgruer · #7 (**permalink**) 05-02-2010

Thanks to all of you. I should mention that during the strong winds the wheel was being controlled by novices. On two occasions we completely out of control. Circling madly. I haven't sailed much but I was on a 30 footer in Lake Michigan with some teenagers who filled it with water so I was concerned. BTW, the the cabin was not closed and the swells were only 4 or 5 feet near the entrance of the Bay. I'm just curious.

noreault · #8 (**permalink**) 05-02-2010

This is now starting to sound quite bad. High winds, novice on the helm, 4 foot waves, and circling wildly. I'm thinking uncontrolled gybe and mad rush to get a boat under control. But maybe to much weather helm and not gybe. This being followed by skipper who was over their head saying nothing to worry about. The words may not have been excessively strong.

jgruer · #9 (**permalink**) 05-02-2010

Well we did at least 2 uncontrolled gybes (is that really how you spell that) with novices on the wheel. Denise, I would sail again in a heartbeat. But not with that guy.

Faster · #10 (**permalink**) 05-02-2010

It does sound like a bit of a Chinese Firedrill..... lucky no one was hurt. It was an irresponsible way to treat a bunch of newcomers.

As you say, find another ride!