Hunter 245 Speed

[jakeroyd]

I have a Hunter Ranger 245 which I like a lot.
I bought it because it's realatively heavy and , with a godd ballast ratio and it's sail area is relatively modest. In other words I bough it because it's one of the few small cruisers around today with a B rating.
So I am not expecting extreme performance.
However I am a bit dissapointed with speeed , even in a blow.
The waterline length is not bad for a small boat.
Going on the GPS when there is not much tide for or against I get maybe 5kts max even in a F6 on the beam , flat sea , with first reef in.

Is this the most I can expect ?

(She was halfway thorough the season then so maybe slightly fouled)

 

[fastjedi]

That doesn't sound right .... Ranger 245s have the same rig as Ranger 265s so they certainly aren't underpowered. We can often embarrass much larger boats. Our 245 will hold 6 kts through the water upwind on a good day and often tops 7 kts++ through the water off wind.


In light airs I would kill for the optional genoa. In strong winds you pay the price in leeway for twin keels and 6'3"of headroom.

My guess is she needs her bottom scrubbing? Ours is noticabley slower. The 1GM10 will also overfuel.

 

[achwilan]

ahem... I assume you are towing some gear underwater to deceive a chasing man-of-war ?... /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[tross]

How are you measuring your speed GPS or Log?

 

[Impaler]

I've regularly had 6+ kts from mine. Usually not much than 4 under power but I think my prop needs a good scrub. I have a cruising chute, well worth having and dead easy to fly. I'd check your log.

 

[blackbeard]

[ QUOTE ]
However I am a bit dissapointed with speeed , even in a blow. ....
Is this the most I can expect ?
.....
(She was halfway thorough the season then so maybe slightly fouled)

[/ QUOTE ]
More than slightly fouled I would think. I agree with other posters that, off the wind in a decent breeze, you should get over 6 knots, and not much less upwind.

 

[blackbeard]

[ QUOTE ]
Usually not much than 4 under power but I think my prop needs a good scrub.

[/ QUOTE ]
You are quite right. Any fouling on the prop will kill performance, and handling, under power - true for any boat.