R-21 Owners - a question

[TomRay]

I had a customer ask me about handling of the R-21 EC in following seas today. I don't know. The only time I have gotten to drive one, it was pretty calm. We had to make some wakes to hit! Not a great test, but the price of living in paradise, I suppose.

What can you all tell me about how the boat does in larger waves, particularly following seas. Does it track well? Want to broach? What does it like/not like?

Thanks!

[IdleUp]

[Rick and Karen]

Hi TomRay,

In regards to your question about following seas, it doesn't appear to me to be much of a problem as long as the waves are not big enough to threaten washing over the stern. In Hawaii, I am almost always in a following sea every time I take up a westerly heading. Typically the waves are about 2-4 feet high and the boat does ride up and down on the crests a bit like a surfboard. It is not unusual to see the boat speed momentarily vary by 3 or 4 knots in between troughs.

As already mentioned, it does require more helm effort to keep tracking a steady course, but as of yet I have not had any problem with the boat broaching or water in the cockpit. Overall I would have to say that the hull design handles coastal ocean cruising with aplomb, as long as the skipper is mindful of his or hers and the boat's limitations.

Aloha,

Rick

p.s. I thought I was living in Paradise.

[Texas Steve]

It took me a few times to get the hang of handling our R21-EC in a following sea, but it isn't all that difficult. It does require constant attention forward to keep a course and adjusting the speed to the waves makes it a fairly comfortable proposition. The more time I spend on this boat, the more appreciation I have for it's seaworthiness.

Steve Frisch

[TomRay]

Thanks for your comments! I'll pass them along.