411 - Recommandations for Atlantic crossing

Recommandations for Atlantic crossing

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Topic: Recommandations for Atlantic crossing

Posted By: samba
Subject: Recommandations for Atlantic crossing
Date Posted: 03 January 2008 at 21:21

Dear all,

I am preparing for a trip to the Caribbean and back to Holland and want to make a number of modifications to my Hanse 411.

I would like to get some tips from other 411 owners about modifications they made. If you also have some pictures then that would be great. Any other good tips are very welcome.

Currently I am thinking about the following:

- Bimimi

- Two additional winches (What size is recommended?)

- Windlass (what type is recommended, what chain thickness, any pictures would be great)

- 2 additional anchors (Any recommendations about the type and the weight?)

- Installation of SSB

- Wind vane installation (Sailomat)

- Wind generator

- Solar panels

- Baby stay (for storm jib and second jib)

- Additional water / diesel tanks (or use jerry cans)

- Installation of (Raymarine) radar / plotter

- AIS transponder

- Salt water pump (manual)

- Alternator (If it is worth the investment and depending on the power generated by wind and solar).

- Modification of the existing fridge (selfpuming, cold pack, insulation)

- And a long list of smaller things

- Any other good suggestions?

Thanks in advance. I look forward to your reaction.

Kind regards,

Michiel Toes

Samba

Replies:

Posted By: Gregor
Date Posted: 03 January 2008 at 23:31

Michiel,

Sounds good. One suggestion, make sure you can tap water even when there is no electricity available. For instance by placing a foot pump.

Good luck with your preparation,
Gregor

Posted By: Nereide
Date Posted: 04 January 2008 at 14:08

Hi Michiel,

Windshear is a H411 that is owned by a dutch guy and completed the ARC 2007 sucessfully - might be worth contacting.

Many boats inc Hanses < 46ft had DuoGen installed on pulpit.

i personnaly have a 411 and envision a ARC entry, as a friend completed his this year too.

I think there is alot to be gained reading the logs on the ARC website, to cover all ocean crossing problems encountered.

Good Luck

Posted By: samba
Date Posted: 04 January 2008 at 18:07

Hello,

I am trying to contact the Windshear, but I haven't been able to find an email address.

Did you find one?

Thanks,

Michiel

Posted By: Nereide
Date Posted: 07 January 2008 at 10:02

Sorry Samba, i don't have this,

but try contacting ARC org and ask for Hans Mulder's details.

I'm sure they will help you, in light of your project.

Posted By: samba
Date Posted: 24 March 2008 at 20:32

Howdy,

Our website is in the air! We will keep a logbook for the next 1,5 years. The address is http://www.sambaopreis.nl - www.sambaopreis.nl .

Sorry, but the website is in Dutch only. We will however post a lot of pictures.

Cheers,

Michiel

Posted By: panos
Date Posted: 25 March 2008 at 16:38

hello Michiel,

Really nice website you have.

-------------
Panos

Hanse 630e - selling her -

Posted By: alettaenmarcel
Date Posted: 25 March 2008 at 18:50

Michiel

We were in Stellendam last weekend

Our boot is in Hellevoetsluis so that is just a small distance.

We will folow your dream on your website , we just can not take such a long time off from our jobs.

Succes with your journey and we will problebly see you on the Haringvliet before you leave.

Greetings Marcel Hanse 370 Together Hellevoetsluis.

Posted By: samba
Date Posted: 28 February 2009 at 00:52

Please find below a detailed list of the modifications we made to our boat Samba for our Atlantic crossing 2008/2009.

For the trip we bought a Genua 2, storm jib plus a pole for downwind sailing. For the crossing a genua is a must. The turning jib will not do the job. Since we had very light weather we also used the genaker a lot. This saved us days on the total crossing. We did sail the genaker on a pole like a spinnaker. This sails a lot better.

The modifications we made:

Installed a Webasto heater. Very nice for doing all the work during the winter mouths.
Installed an outside connection for the VHF handheld (under the spray hood)
Installed two additional winches. Especially for the Atlantic crossing the winches where very useful. Even then we could use more winches/clamps.
Installed new (Victron) batteries. 4 x 120 Ah AGM and 1 x 80 Ah AGM.
We made no modifications to the fridge. However we always try to keep the fridge fully loaded and we have removed the seats above the compressor. I still want to install a small computer fan.
Installed a salt water foot pump. This is used a lot. Especially since Hanse doesn’t have a big water tank.
Installed an electric gas switch on top of the gas bottle. The switch is controlled from the kitchen
Installed a net for fruit and vegetables. A lot of extra storage.
Additional extra handles for at sea
Extra storage bags in the two aft cabins for the children. Very cheap and handy
Installed an Air Marine Wind generator. The new generation is much quieter and provides lot’s of energy. Very satisfied with this.
Installed two 90 W solar panels. They add additional Ah for the batteries. When we have good wind the wind generator and the solar panels provide more then enough energy. We wanted to go completely for green energy. If that was not the case then I would go for a wind generator and a large alternator/generator.
Installed a Raymarine C80 with Radar. The radar is installed on the same pole as the wind generator
Installed a baby/cutter stay with runners. I spoke to other 411 owners and they all recommended this.
We use the electric winch a lot. For example to hoist the dinghy on the side of the boat every evening.
Magma BBQ on the aft deck railing. We used it a lot to BBQ fish during the Atlantic crossing. Great gas BBQ
Installed a secondhand Sailomat wind vane but I have never tested it yet. I would still like to do that. Just for the fun of it. During the crossing we either hand steered or used the Simrad autopilot
Installed a Lewmar pod for the Raymarine C80. We had to extend the tubes for this.
Installed a Lewmar pro 1000 windlass..
Installed storage for 3 additional gas bottles in the anchor locker
During the crossing we installed a big Lewmar block in the top of the mast for the spinnaker halyard to prevent chafing
Installed two outdoor speakers. Absolutely necessary
Installed a better water pump inside
Installed a saltwater deck wash pump outside (used the old water pump)
We made the following modifications to the spray hood: extra zippers so that we can open the front window, we can zip a simple bikini to the spray hood. The end we connect to the backstay. We can use this while sailing and although we also made a very big bimini/tent to cover the whole boat, we usually use the simple bimini.
Installed an Icom SSB with Pactor III modem. Although the technology is very old it works great. The radio nets during the various crossings are great.
Installed a Furuno navtex receiver
Installed a very big bilge pump. The hose coming out is so big that we leave it under the floor. In case of emergency we get the hose from under the floor.
Installed an additional Simrad repeater indoors. Very nice for updating the log book since all info is at hand
Installed a Victron battery monitor. Absolutely necessary to keep an eye an the batteries.
Installed a new car stereo with an IPod connection. All the music is installed an the IPod.
Installed a fanless PC with a TV/Computer screen
Installed a media player that can be connected to the TV directly. All the DVDs are now copied to the media player. The kids can just select the film they want to see at sea.
Installed an extra powerful internet set. A powerful antenna is connected to the pole outside, connected via a low loss cable to a strong USB wifi adaptor (500 mW). Most of the time we have good free internet and use Skype to phone home.

We bought a series drogue instead of a sea anchor in case of very bad weather.
Installed an emergency VHF antenna on the pole at the back.
Installed extra 12V plugs in the aft cabins for blowers and to charge the nintendo's
Installed a three blade feathering maxprop. Since that we have some vibrations in the steering system that I still need to take a look at.
Installed a double switchable fuel filter instead of the orginal filter.
Installed a reling net around the boat to keep the children onboard.
Put new foam in the mattresses. However we still put on Ikea deck matrasses since it was too hard to sleep on. Next time we will buy new mattresses from for instance Neptune.
Made fly screen (input from the forum) for all the side windows
Installed shelves in the aft cabin lockers. Much more storage space.
Installed a sea me active radar reflector in the top of the mast
Installed AIS receiver (easyAIS) and connected this to the Raymarine C80. Must be the greatest invention since GPS.
Installed a 3rd reef in the main sail

Things that were on the wish list that didn’t make it

Water maker or additional water tank. At the moment we use very little water.
A bigger alternator. I am not going to do this anymore. We have enough green power.

We bought the boat in September and left in July the next year. It was hard work to get everything done and I had a professional helping me out in the beginning. When we left a lot of things were still not done but during the trip I did the rest. I still have things I want to do but since we made it to the other side of the Atlantic there is no real pressure anymore.

I have posted a lot of pictures on our picasa site http://picasaweb.google.com/sambaopreis/ModificationsSamba#" rel="nofollow - Samba op reis . I will make some more to make it complete.

Please let me know if you want to know more.

-------------
Samba - Hanse 411 - Bruinisse

Posted By: Brad McMaster
Date Posted: 01 March 2009 at 00:08

Hey Samba,

Thanks for that and the pictures, that is really really helpful. While we are well kitted out for cruising it is great to hear how your gear worked for you during the ARC.

Cheers

-------------
GHOST - Hanse 470e - 058
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/ghost/

Posted By: Brad McMaster
Date Posted: 01 March 2009 at 20:30

Hi Samba, thanks again for this list.

A couple of quick questions though.

What water pump did you up grade to and why?

The electric gas switch on the gas bottle. Was that to effectively turn the gas off at the bottle?

And what made you go for the Victron batteries?

Cheers

-------------
GHOST - Hanse 470e - 058
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/ghost/

Posted By: samba
Date Posted: 02 March 2009 at 17:51

Brad McMaster wrote:

Hi Samba, thanks again for this list.

A couple of quick questions though.

What water pump did you up grade to and why?

The electric gas switch on the gas bottle. Was that to effectively turn the gas off at the bottle?

And what made you go for the Victron batteries?

Cheers

We bought the sensormax 14 water pump. It is a great water pump since it is very quit and has variable speed. Because of this it uses less water. However the pump is now broken since there was a little bit of water in the place where the pump is installed and the pump can't handle this. The place the pump is installed by Hanse is a very strange place. In the bilge underneath one of the chairs. So now I need to find a new motor and I want to find a better/dryer place to install the motor.

The gas switch is indeed to turn of the gas bottle for extra security.

I bought the batteries at the same place as the solar panels and the wind generator. They advised me the Victron batteries since they could offer a very good price. I beleave Victron is a dutch company.

Cheers,

Michiel

Posted By: samba
Date Posted: 02 March 2009 at 18:45

I have added some more pictures and noticed that I was still missing some items on the list. I have them included in the original list as well. When I look at the list, I now know why it was such hard work

We bought a series drogue instead of a sea anchor in case of very bad weather.
Installed a emercengy VHF antenna on the pole at the back.
Installed exta 12V plugs in the aft cabins for blowers and to charge the nintendo's
Installed a three blade feathering maxprop. Since that we have some vibrations in the steering system that I still need to tkae a look at.
Installed a double switchable fuel filter instead of the orginal filter.
Installed a reling net around the boat to keep the children onboard.
Put new foam in the matrasses. However we still put on Ikea deck matrasses since it was too hard to sleep on. Next time we will buy new matresses from for instance Neptune.
Made fly screen (input from the forum) for all the side windows
Installed shelves in the aft cabin lockers. much more storadge space.
Instaled a sea me active radar reflector in the top of the mast
Installed AIS receiver (easyAIS) and connected this to the Raymarine C80. Must be the greatest invention since GPS.
Instaled a 3rd reef in the main sail

Posted By: wolf
Date Posted: 03 March 2009 at 08:26

hi samba

i had the same fresh water pump/ bilge problem on the 470 i have moved the pump up higher and changed the pressure switch which was burned due water contact.( approx 30euros) and i works well now.

wolf

Posted By: Chris G
Date Posted: 23 March 2009 at 11:45

G'Day,

I own a H411 which we are cruising full-time in Australia - she is a European fit out having been imported from Croatia b her previous owner. It is amazing how cruising boats all have similar layouts and equipment. The modifications you have made to your 411 are almost identical to ours. Your photos are excellent and have given us some great ideas, especially the salt water and second bilge pumps.

We went with a Targa (or stern arch) for the wind, solar and the the dinghy. It also has seats which are very comfortable for offshore sailing. Not quite what the purists would prefer but it is very livable in the tropics. We have also fitted a watermaker to make up for the limited storage capacity. The battery upgrade was also important - I figure that if AGM batteries are good enough for the space shuttle, they will go alright on a yacht.

How have you found your babystay - is it effective in stopping the mast from pumping?

Thanks for the great website,

Cheers,

Chris G

Posted By: samba
Date Posted: 25 March 2009 at 01:57

Chris G wrote:

How have you found your babystay - is it effective in stopping the mast from pumping?

Hello Chris,

Thanks for the compliment. I always use the babystay and runners when sailing. Even in light weather. This way you get used to sailing with them.

I have never seen the mast pump at all. So I am very pleased with them.

The downside is using the turning jib with the babystay. You have to roll the jib in and redo the sheet.

For me an ideal situation would be to have the genua on the roller, a high aspect on a removable dynema line or second roller just in front of the roller and keep the baby stay for the sorm jib. This means no more sail changes. At this moment we use the genua for downwind and very light wind sailing and the jib for upwind sailing.

Cheers,

Michiel

Posted By: barney1964
Date Posted: 02 October 2011 at 12:39

Hello Michiel

We are seriously looking at a 411 here - and have found your information on this site probably the most useful on the web.

Firstly, do you still have her, or did you move on to something else?

Further, we have a couple of specific questions:

1. where did you position your inner forestay (for the cutter rig) - both on the mast - and on the deck.

2. Re the deck position of the inner forestay, what additional support did you place there? (for the engineering load).

3. Re the inner headsail (staysail), did you have that on a furler, or on hanks (which makes it easier to temporarily remove the forestay and bring it back to the mast - thus making it easier for the genoa to be used.

4. What did / do you use the self tacker track for.

5. The traveller - on the boat we are looking at, its about 3:1 - looks under engineered, and there-for tricky to adjust - particularly in gusty conditions.

6. What size new cockpit combing winches did you install? ARe they too big / too small / just right. The existing primaries are Harken 46's (2 speed).

What have you done with the refrigeration - it seems there have been problems, particularly in the tropics / summer.

Thanks - look foreward to your reply (and any others)

-------------
Barney1964
South East Queensland Australia

Posted By: samba
Date Posted: 08 October 2011 at 13:46

Hi,

Sorry for the late reply. Last weekend excellent weather and this week on the road.

We still have our 411 and we still love it.

Please see below for the answers. If you want to speak to me directly I can send you a PM with my contact details.

1. where did you position your inner forestay (for the cutter rig) - both on the mast - and on the deck.

Take a look at this post: http://www.myhanse.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1854 . You can find some pictures there.

2. Re the deck position of the inner forestay, what additional support did you place there? (for the engineering load).

See the post mentioned above. There is a reinforcement in the anchor locker. This has been used.

3. Re the inner headsail (staysail), did you have that on a furler, or on hanks (which makes it easier to temporarily remove the forestay and bring it back to the mast - thus making it easier for the genoa to be used.

We did not user a furler for the cutter sail. It is removable. I used the cutter stay for additional support for the mast and for our stormsail. When sailing on the ocean/sea I never removed it.

So I used the normal fore-stay for a genua (light wind and downwind sailing) and the turning jib (reaching with wind above 15 knots). This means a lot of sail changes when sailing back to Europe. By that time I had 3 friends on board and let them do all the work

. You can't do this when sailing double handed.

Looking back my ideal sailing config would be:
1. A 135% genua on the normal forestay on a furler
2. A high aspect just behind the normal forestay on a furler.
3. A cutter stay for the storm sail
4. A Gennaker with a snuffer.
5. Normal sail with 3 reefs. 3rd very high.

4. What did / do you use the self tacker track for.

I used the self tacker track for our turning jib and the storm jib.

5. The traveller - on the boat we are looking at, its about 3:1 - looks under engineered, and there-for tricky to adjust - particularly in gusty conditions.

I didn't make any changes to this. There is an article on the forum by someone who did change it. It is a good idea.

6. What size new cockpit combing winches did you install? ARe they too big / too small / just right. The existing primaries are Harken 46's (2 speed).

I installed the 48's. They are just right when using the genua. You do still need to be strong to handle them. For me no problem. My wife let's me do it.

What have you done with the refrigeration - it seems there have been problems, particularly in the tropics / summer.

I didn't make any changes to the fridge and we didn't have any problems. In the Caribbean we did remove the the cushion and cover plate of the couch so the the hot air could get out better. An alternative would be to use the cooling of the water outlet of the sink but our budget was already gone.

Posted By: Chris G
Date Posted: 17 October 2011 at 10:56

Hi Samba/Barney,

Agree with all of the above. Haven't worried about the refrigeration cooling other than to install additional louvre vents on the inboard side of the seat. It still gets hot in the tropics (we have just spent seven months doing Tonga/Fiji/Vanuatu/New Cal without any probs. As it happens we have done exactly the same as Samba with everything else.

Cheers

Chris

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H411 "Equinox"