Douglas
New member
A pal of mine is looking for a Hurley 22. I heard they can be a bit heavy on the helm, whats the story about the different rudders fitted to later models? Are there any particular problems to look out for? Thanks.
Hurley 22
- Thread starter Douglas
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G
Guest
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We sail hurley 22 "Dancing Dream" moored on the Hamble. We have the fin keel type, which has great directional stability, and they are built like tanks, determining the fibre glass thickness wasn't the science it is now.
They can suffer from weather helm in F4 and above unless the main is reefed adequately, by over reefing rather than underreefing this isn't a problem, they are very good at heading into the wind, but can get a bit wet in the cockpit due to the low freeboard unlike modern yachts.
They sail as if they are bigger than they are, and have made Atlantic and Pacific crossing.
If you search the web under hurley 22 there is loads of information. They are great yachts to start with, low cost and very robust. You can also get the choice of inboard/outboard moters. Ours as a 6hp Johnson, max recommended is 9hp. The ^hp gives us 4 knots, not great but you get use to getting the best out of it.the additinal 3hp may give you a knot, but they are heavier to lift out.
A thing to look out for, is the amount the cabin roof id deflected under the mast which is located on a tabernacle. The cabon roof is supported by a plywood bulkhead which is located about 18" behind the mast position, resulting in the bulkhead deflecting, check that the bulkhead hasn't broken away from the carcass. Some have had colums placed directly below the mast running through to the top of the keel to further support the mast. Our doesn't have the column, though a possible job next winter. Though it be ok for the past 32 years.
What ever you do get a surveyors report well worth the money.
They can suffer from weather helm in F4 and above unless the main is reefed adequately, by over reefing rather than underreefing this isn't a problem, they are very good at heading into the wind, but can get a bit wet in the cockpit due to the low freeboard unlike modern yachts.
They sail as if they are bigger than they are, and have made Atlantic and Pacific crossing.
If you search the web under hurley 22 there is loads of information. They are great yachts to start with, low cost and very robust. You can also get the choice of inboard/outboard moters. Ours as a 6hp Johnson, max recommended is 9hp. The ^hp gives us 4 knots, not great but you get use to getting the best out of it.the additinal 3hp may give you a knot, but they are heavier to lift out.
A thing to look out for, is the amount the cabin roof id deflected under the mast which is located on a tabernacle. The cabon roof is supported by a plywood bulkhead which is located about 18" behind the mast position, resulting in the bulkhead deflecting, check that the bulkhead hasn't broken away from the carcass. Some have had colums placed directly below the mast running through to the top of the keel to further support the mast. Our doesn't have the column, though a possible job next winter. Though it be ok for the past 32 years.
What ever you do get a surveyors report well worth the money.
Gordonmc
Active member
The alleged "heavy helm" can be overcome by moving the centre of effort forward on the sail plan, either by raking the mast slightly forward or by early reefing of the main, which originally was by boom-rolling. Most boats have been converted to slab reefing. Another trick is to move as much moveable weight forward to counter the outboard and fuel.
The larger rudders on later boats was a specification requested by the Navy who used Hurleys for outward bounds training.
Very sturdy boats capable of putting up with a lot, and very forgiving of novices like me.
I would agree with Spiros about the importance of the bulkhead. Later boats had a big cutaway, presumably to make the saloon appear bigger. The older boats don't appear to suffer as much.
A lot of info available on the internet.
All in all, you could do worse in a starter boat.
The larger rudders on later boats was a specification requested by the Navy who used Hurleys for outward bounds training.
Very sturdy boats capable of putting up with a lot, and very forgiving of novices like me.
I would agree with Spiros about the importance of the bulkhead. Later boats had a big cutaway, presumably to make the saloon appear bigger. The older boats don't appear to suffer as much.
A lot of info available on the internet.
All in all, you could do worse in a starter boat.
graham
Well-known member
I had a bilge keel version some years ago and didnt notice any exceptional weather helm. The mast raked very slightly forward on mine which probably corrected it.
Excellent sea boat and a pleasure to sail.
Excellent sea boat and a pleasure to sail.
