250 Water Ballast Poor Handling

[Jim Riley]

We have experienced very poor handling characteristics with our water ballast 250. Speciffically we have a sever weather helm problem. At times the wheel becomes so difficult to turn that it it near impossible to move. In moderate wind there is sometimes little response from tiller movement when on a close reach.Also, when on a close reach, steering corrections on the wheel can result in sudden windward pull into irons! The tiller does not seem to react decisiively. We are currious if other owners have experienced this same problem.

 

[Jim Riley]

250 Water Ballast Poor Handling

We have experienced very poor handling characteristics with our water ballast 250. Specifically we have a sever weather helm problem. At times the wheel becomes so difficult to turn that it is near impossible to move. In moderate wind there is sometimes little response from rudder movement when on a close reach.Also, when on a close reach, steering corrections on the wheel can result in sudden windward pull into irons! The rudder does not seem to react decisively. We are curious if other owners have experienced this same problem.

 

[Mark Melchior]

Out of balance

Your boat is sailing out of balance. The C250 sails best at heel angles less than 15 or 20 degrees. First, make sure your rig is tuned properly. Make sure you are properly using your sail controls including properly setting your genoa blocks. Are you reefing early enough? Raking the centerboard back a bit also improves balance.Which rudder do you own? The early models had short rudders that caused the boat to round up when heeled substantially. The second generation, high aspect beaching rudder improved things. But, as the detent wears down, the rudder tends to slip backwards causing it to be an unbalanced rudder . . . very hard to turn and has caused rudder failures. The new third generation rudder is balanced and is said to be like using "power-stearing". But a balanced rudder will not overcome a poorly tuned rig. My boat is very balanced. When the wind is in the 10-15 knot range, I can steer with the mainsheet alone. I go to a single reef above 15 knots. Raking the centerboard back is a nice trick to help with balance.

 

[Tony]

Move your traveller ...

... to leeward and that should take care of a lot of weather helm in stronger winds. This will spill some wind while retaining the same sail twist. You may also try flattening your main a little. The main's use is, to a large extent, one of balance. Check out the North Sail's Fast Course at http://www.northsails.co.uk/articles/fast/default.htm. It is a really great sail trim and rig tuning guide.Tony

 

[Arlyn Stewart]

you will be tempted to give up on this boat...dont

Jim, though you will be tempted, don't give up on this boat. The handling problems you describe can be tamed. I have written some comments that should help you. They describe what is happening and why and how to fix the problems. It is important keep in mind that there is no single fix, but rather at least two important areas needing attention. One is rudder balance and the other is helm balance. They are seperate items and each needs to be dealt with. The mods necessary along with pics will help you tame your beast. They are not that involved and will be well worth your time and effort.For a zip file of my thoughts, pics of mods etc....send me your email address and I will forward to you.....Arlyn aa5by@aol.com