Steering a Top Hat

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From: fullandby (Original Message) Sent: 9/09/2007 3:38 AM
Hello folks,
I am thinking of buying a Top Hat but have some reservations which I hope the group can answer.
I have a fairly tight marina access. I would have to reverse my boat out. I know long keel boats can be difficult to control in reverse. Does anyone have any experience backing a Top Hat? I may get one with an inboard so I cant assume using an outboard to help turning will help.
To maintain steerage I will need to enter the berth at one or two knots. Can they be stopped in a few metres with an outboard in reverse?
I get the impression from the board that Top Hats are not as fast as more modern designs. To give me a basis for comparison, how many knots could one reasonably expect to windward in 15 knots of breeze.
Some entries on the board suggest that the Mk 1 is less likely to have osmosis than the later models. Is it worth going for a Mk 1 on this basis? Are there any drawbacks with the Mk 1.
I would be very grateful for any feeback on these issues.
Happy sailing,

Bart McKenzie



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From: GiovDayman Sent: 9/09/2007 9:56 PM
Hi there, yes a top hat with outboard will reverse and stop quick. I have
one at Royals in Williamstown and do it every week. And yes a well sailed
Top Hat is competitive. We have wone the last two years Port Phillip Pilots
Round the Bay races on PHD, we are regurarly top 10 to 2nd ina fleet of 50
boats on Wednesday recing and still beat plenty oy big boats in a centre
course winter series race.
As with al boats there are tricks to getting Top Hats moving, but with clean
botom we hit 7kts in 15kt breeze no troubs.
I have a Mk2, but the underwater is the same on all. The Mk2 has a better
internal layout. I have never heard of any osmosis in a Top Hat, but have
had it in a Swanston 36 and it can be cured.
Where are you in Aus?
Cheers
Johnno

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From: fullandby Sent: 10/09/2007 5:02 AM
Thanks Johnno, that info is reassuring. I live in Brisbane. The conditions in Moreton Bay are similar to Port Phillip, short chop ( which Top Hats were designed for I gather), shallow water - but without the extremes of weather.
Regards,
Bart
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From: AussieOldMate22 Sent: 16/09/2007 5:56 PM
G'day fullandby, As GiovDayman said, I have found 6-7 knots achievable in 15 knots of breeze. With regard to parking I think it's just a matter of practice and getting a feel for the boat. Before I got my Top Hat I had only used fin-keel boats with a wheel and diesel engine and found it a bit harder at first but I think it was just a matter of adjusting to the new setup with the tiller and outboard rather than any lack of maneuverability issues. I had a very tight berth at newport marina with rocks on one side and a walkway directly in front which I had to reverse out of. When I bought the boat it had a 2 stroke outboard with a very small prop on it and I found it made a big difference in reverse thrust when I went to a 10HP honda 4 stroke with a big prop.
Anyway my Top Hat MkIII is for sale in Brisbane. It's listed on boatpoint and australiawide.com.au websites if you want to have a look. Recently dropped the price to $21,000 and I'm keen to sell so negotiable on the price. The boat is very sound and in good condition. It was professionally anti-fouled including primer in January and I can send you a copy of the survey which was done when I bought the boat 16 months ago if you are interested (no osmosis was found).


Cheers

Dennis Morrison.