[Rhodes22-list] Reakistic Expectations for Rhodes 22

[Dennis]

I'm with James and Graham on the fiberglass issue - have someone
knowledgeable about fiberglass take a look and determine what the cause /
cure might be. Out of curiosity, how do you store your Rhodes? Do you have
any localized oilcanning / crazing / cracking of the gelcoat in those areas?
Did your rough sail result in any cracking on the inside of the hull (check
under the lazerette, under the V-berth, under the galley, etc.)? Have you
had any problems with gel coat blistering?

I've been on Lake Erie in waves as high as 5'. Other than getting a little
wet - and getting the Admiral *really* wet ('nother story), the waves
presented no issues.

As to holding course, note that once you're heeled over too far the rudder
loses its bite (as others have noted), and you'll either round up or fall
off - depending on how your sails are trimmed, how the boat is loaded,
position of the centerboard, etc. I'm fairly sure Stan could sail a Rhodes
all day by adjusting sail trim, even if he forgot the rudder. Were you
pushed off course to windward or leeward? Take a look at
http://www.great-loop.us/sailing for a list of things to do to eliminate lee
helm (reverse the solutions to reduce excessive weather helm).

Dennis
Magic Moments
Berthed in Michigan's little corner of Lake Erie


-----Response-----
From: rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org
[mailto:rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org] On Behalf Of Graham Stewart
Sent: Sunday, January 12, 2014 10:37 AM
To: 'The Rhodes 22 Email List'
Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Reakistic Expectations for Rhodes 22

I have been caught in wind and sea conditions that were too much for the
Rhodes to make any headway but that did not result in any gelcoat cracks -
and shouldn't. I have no idea why the cracks would appear but suspect that
the real cause is in the construction rather than the sea conditions. I
think you need a fibreglass expert to assess what is happening.

I also suspect that the wind conditions you describe might have been greater
than 12 knots as I think it would take more than that to build 4' seas. In
any event, when healed over too far the rudder looses it hold and the boat
will turn into the wind. If you flatten the boat by letting the sail out or
reefing you might not have enough power to make headway to windward in
strong winds. On one occasion when I was on Lake Ontario in strong winds I
was able to sail across the wind and downwind quite comfortably but was
unable to make headway coming back even with the motor on full (it kept
coming out of the water on the crest of every wave). I had to abandon the
sail and go down wind to the nearest marina where the boat stayed until the
winds subsided - 3 days later. In that case the winds would have been
considerably greater than 12 knots.

Graham 

-----Original Message-----
From: rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org
[mailto:rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org] On Behalf Of butterchurn
Sent: January-12-14 12:04 AM
To: rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org
Subject: [Rhodes22-list] Reakistic Expectations for Rhodes 22

I would like to ask the group what I can realistically expect from my Rhodes
22. I was very disappointed last season that I could not make it to the Lake
Erie Islands. There were about 4 foot waves and they caused stress cracks in
my gel-coat all over the boat. Also, I could not hold course. Even with the
tiller held full over I was pushed in the opposite direction of where I
wanted to go unless I motor sailed. The wind was about 12 knots.

I sail on Sandusky Bay with no problems. Am I confined to the bay and more
protected waters?  Was I doing something wrong? What kind of cruising do you
do in your Rhodes?  Are my hopes to cruise to the Erie Islands not
realistic?

Sorry for the questions, but I am trying to get an idea of what I should
realistically expect from my Rhodes.  I love my Rhodes, but i was hoping to
do more with her. 

What are your thoughts on my dilemma?