Adjusting Swing Keel

[Jim Schaff]

I was told the other day that I could adjust to weather helm by adjusting the swing keel on my H26. I've had the boat for 3 years now and never heard of doing that before. To adjust the swing keel of course, it would have to be moved from the straight down position to a position somewhat rear of straight down (like you were beginning to pull it up). Is this a standard sailing technique that I've been ignorant of, or what?Jim Schaffs/v Morning Glory

 

[Ken Shubert]

Tried it but ???

Someone mentioned that about my H23.5 so we pulled it up slowly and only found it made things worse. I really doubt that it is designed to handle the stresses in any position except down or up. Sometimes we pull it up going downwind just to get that extra 1/2 kt or so but if you forget to drop it again, your crosstrack error is horrendous. The only thing that seems to help is mast rake but it has limits of course. I'll bet this technique does work on boats that are swing-keel or slide-keel designs where you are actually moving the boats 'pivot point' fore or aft slightly. At times I've discoved the magic balance of sail trim and it works great ---- until the next gust of wind.KenS/V Wouff Hong

 

[Jim Covey]

Maybe rudder angle?

Jim,I've found that the rudder angle is critical for weather helm. If it's angled too far forward or back you will notice increased helm.I've found the best position is to have the back edge of the rudder parallel to the edge of the black piece.Good luck,Jim Coveys/v Wampeter

 

[Jim Hopper]

Am going to try it.

I just bought a 26 this May and I am having trouble getting used to its tendency to round up in winds above 20Knots. I was told to check the mast rake and try pulling up the centerboard a little. Haven't had the opportunity because the winds have been light. May have to wait until March now since we're pulling it this weekend. Mast rake was supposedly checked but I'm going to check it myself.Jim Hopper

 

[Bruce Ahrens]

To Jim Hopper - rounding up cure

Jim,I also had severe rounding up last spring when I first got my h26. I learned to either reef when the winds got strong or to quickly ease the main when a strong puff occured. This reduced the heeling which reduced the tendency to round up. I just tightened the main after the puff subsided.