J22geek

More on single-handling on Chesapeake...11.) Use the tides to your advantage (i.e. return home on a favorable tide).  Of course, one of the biggest advantages of a J22 is that it has a strong class and resale value...not necessarily true for some other similar size sailboats.  Regards.

Used to single-handle my J22 on North Chesapeake for several years.  Consider the following: 1.) Sail-off a mooring, if possible (no docks to hit) 2.) Buy a reliable Torqueedo

CL1103 motor 3.) Position your body forward of the traveller bar to reach sail controls 4.) Sail main-only if too much breeze 5.) Douse jib in a breeze by pulling down on the clue, keeping your body mostly off the foredeck 6.) Use a bungee cord to secure jib on deck to bow cleat (crawl on your hands and knees).  7.) Learn to heave-to if wind spikes.  8.) Anchor, and wait-out a blow (bring food and drink for the duration) 9.) File a cruise plan with your marina  and significant other in case you're delayed and don't return to marina in a timely fashion.  10.) Wear a PFD, always 11.) Wear a harness connected to strong points on deck. 

Loosen rig tension on forestay, shrouds, and backstay slightly to ease mast compression on the mast step.  With hammer, I gently tap pins with slightly smaller diameter, 6" length, iron pin and/or phillips screwdriver.  

I've owned a Honda 2HP and the carb easily clogs and has left me numerous times without power.  Bought a Torqueedo CL1103 last year and it has performed well.  Reliable forward and reverse. Occasional error code when cable connections are not correct, just need to reconnect and try again.  Occasionally spray connectors (3) with electronic contact spray.  Be careful when tilting engine while sailing, not to cause cable disconnects.  Very satisfied with reliability.