International H Boat

[scruff]

Hi,

Does anyone have any views on the International H Boat? On paper they seem to tick many boxes; 50% ballast Ratio, good turn of speed, wont dent the pocket too much.

I have it in mind to do across north sea / Azores within the next couple of years and the H Boat looks like it could be a good starting platform.

Downside is it looks a little cramped down below a la Folkboat-esk.

Anyone have any experience of these boats?

 

[monkfish24]

I'm going to be honest and ask , if accomodation is an important factor along with sailability, I don't think the 'H' looks to be the type of boat you want.

I can't offer any reasonable advice when it comes to something like this except why not look at something more along the lines of the later 1/4 tonner production boats like the Hunter Impala.

I have a Seawolf 26 which would probably suit your needs quite nicely....

 

[underdog]

International H-Boat

Owned one of these. Good for racing and day sailing.Yes you could cruise in one, but space below is limited .Also, because of the low free board, quite a wet boat when going to windward. I only kept mine for 18 months because the opportunity to buy the H-boat's big sister an H-323 arose. Now I have a boat that is capable of both racing and cruising in reasonable comfort. The down side is that I have spent considerably more money!

 

[scruff]

Ok thanks for that. not seen the interior in the flesh but the photo's I have seen do look small. Of course I could sit, save money for another couple of years to get something bigger.

However the problem with the strategy is that in a few year I will want something bigger which will in turn require more savings.... dog and tail situation going on; and I never get away.

The aim is to go solo so and am only in mid twenties so can put up with some cramped conditions - uni days are not that far behind me!

The fact that the H Boat was designed to be a modern folk boat sparked my attention as the legacy of the fb is staggering.

SO downsides
Cramped down below
wet upwind

Any others?

 

[pugwash60]

I've raced a few.
They aren't really designed for offshore work, the sailplan is non reefable in normal form, and fittings aren't really up to standard for what you want to do, they are quite dinghy like to sail so the helm would need constant tending by somebody or something. The rudder fitting relies on a bit of hose clamped around the shaft up the inside of the boat to keep the sea out, which I'm not sure I'd be happy with offshore but haven't really examined it. You will have to spend a lot of money to get her up to standard with reefing systems and so on and they aren't cheap in the general scheme of things but they are beautiful boats to sail.
I'd spend the money on something closer to being ready to go, as you say the Folkboat is hard to beat as an all rounder for not a lot of money, but there are lots of other choices around if you don't fancy that.

 

[r_h]

The fact that the H Boat was designed to be a modern folk boat sparked my attention as the legacy of the fb is staggering.

That's not strictly true - the H Boat is a development of the (former Olympic) Soling keelboat, with a new deck moulding and cabin. Therefore, although on paper it has many of the attributes of a long-distance cruiser, it was not designed with this in mind.

 

[nairda96]

Have a look at these, I'd love anyone of them and they are all based on the folkboat
Folksong, Tyler Invicta, contessa 26, marieholm, Albin vega, S.C.O.D And If you get anyone of them I'll be really jealous and I want a spin,

 

[Twister_Ken]

Have a look at these, I'd love anyone of them and they are all based on the folkboat
Folksong, Tyler Invicta, contessa 26, marieholm, Albin vega, S.C.O.D And If you get anyone of them I'll be really jealous and I want a spin,

I think the designers of several of those would dispute your assertion!

Good boats though. I add the Stella.

 

[FWB]

The H-Boat was my first boat with a lid ! I bought an Artekno boat sail No 12 "Hay Fever" new in 1979/80? it was very well constructed.
I loved it, sailed very well but outboard motor arrangement was hard work. Yes a wet boat but great fun.
I think if you want that style then a Mariholm Folkboat would be much better.