Herreshoff H-28 and the Great Circle

[John Bailey]

I don't post much to this site, but a few months ago I asked some questions while looking for a boat.  I like the philosophy of this site and the suggestions were great.

We've got the boat now.  It's a 1952 Herreshoff H-28.  It's 28 ft., no head room to speak of, and sails like a dream.







It's a great little boat, not that it is such a great sailer, which it is, but it has moved my wife from a reluctant sailor to always pushing to sail.  Now, she wants to go on an adventure.  Mind you, neither one of us want danger, but adventure.

We've discussed doing the Great Circle.  We would start on Lake Michigan where the boat is, up through the St. Lawrence, down the Eastern coast and up the Mississippi back to Lake Michigan.

I know some of you have done this trip.  I'd like to know what you think of the suitability of the boat for the trip and any advice for the trip.

Thanks,

John

[Captain Smollett]

Beautiful boat.

Looks like a great choice for the Great Circle to me.

Do you think the headroom will be an issue for the two of you?  Could you stay aboard, weather bound, for a day or two if need be?

[John Bailey]

Beautiful boat.

Looks like a great choice for the Great Circle to me.

Do you think the headroom will be an issue for the two of you?  Could you stay aboard, weather bound, for a day or two if need be?

I, almost didn't even look at the boat because of the headroom issue.  I had a friend who is very knowledgeable implore me to look at this boat.  Once on it, I decided it would not be an issue.  As many on this site would attest, when below you're either sitting or laying down.  The interior has all the framing done but no finish.  So, my wife gets to pick all the colours, cushion, etc.  I think it will work out fine.

By the way, this is only my second sailboat -- my other was an Alberg 30 (#33).

John

[Travelnik]

That's a beautiful boat!

You need to be sure to thank your friend...A lot!

:D

[CharlieJ]

Sails like a dream?? Of course it does- it's a Herreshoff.

Long ago, in an old "you can build 20 boats" by Fawcett, I saw plans for the H-28. Gorgeous vessel.

One point on the great loop- much of it up north in the canals will be "mast down" only, so plan for some racks to hold the masts. Also, much of it will be under power, so be sure you have a stone reliable engine.

The Great Loop is on my list too.

[maxiSwede]

Mmm, sweet!  Enjoy your sailing.  :)

[okawbow]

I did about 1/2 of the loop in my Cheoy Lee 31 ketch, which is a close cousin to the H28. It was a great choice for both rivers, and offshore. You should have a great time in your H28.

[John Bailey]

Thanks all,

Anyone have any specific information on sailing the st. Lawrence Seaway and up over Gaspe?

John

[Michael Homsany]

Hi John,

Sri I didn't see this sooner.

I sailed a 1961 modifed H-28 (Far East Yachts, one of them was used for the mold, as well as a couple of mods and that became the Mariner 31) over a good sized chunk of the Pacific Islands, some 12k NM all told, not counting some jaunts from the US down the Baja west coast.

The only real beefs were (1) food and water on long passages and (2) boat butt (it is a tender, wet boat).

I put 200' of 3/8 chain on board, not just for anchoring, but I stored it above the keel, and that did wonders in stiffening everything up.

Nappy wipes solved the boat butt problem.

I've never sailed the east coast/st.lawrance, but if I can be of any help, esp. with the small mods that make a huge difference, please let me know.

best,
Michael