spivey wrote:
On Sun, 18 Dec 2005 16:43:00 +1100, "K. Smith" wrote:


just me wrote:

How many here have one or both of these and have actually used them?





Never used one for real in a full storm, but years ago did experiment
to devise tactics & found them all but useless if not outright dangerous.

The boat will still lay beam on almost no matter how big the sea anchor
is; but in the moderate conditions we tested a 32ft yacht, well offshore
it provided a violent snubbing. No wonder books regularly report they
"fail" & probably it's just a well.

Most boats even high wooded motor boats, are safest just left alone to
lie a hull in all but the most extreme conditions & after that to turn &
run is about all that's left; then & only then in my view would a sea
anchor be of some use just to slow you, also the saloon carpet or a sail
laced to the line slightly aft will stop any breaking water reaching you.

K


What would someone recommend for a 23' sailboat with a dory bow,
tumbleholme stern, 9' beam and a long, straight keel drawing about 4
feet. (not a fin type). I have an 8' surplus cargo chute but from what
I've read you need to carry 600 feet of line to deploy in 20 foot
seas. Not really an option for most small boats. I tried a similar
setup in a different boat but there was not enough weather to get an
idea of how it would work. The rudder can't be chained off on this
boat so how do you avoid being wrecked or swamped from the stern if
you run off with a drogue of some sort? Thanks.

My suggestions are;

that on a 23ftr well offshore (as contemplated) where space/weight are
a real issue you could maybe find a way to slow the boat when running.
Experiment in controlled conditions, you'll soon find a setup that suits
you & it might be as simple as dragging a tyre which when in it's cover
can double as a tough fender.

As for the boat a lashed to lee tiller, tie everything down & find
yourself a comfy spot to read. (checking for traffic every once in a
while; I was on a yacht lying a hull in a blow & in the middle of what
we thought was the end of the world a container ship steamed through out
of the gloom, not even bothering to roll:-))

K