C 30 pulls hard to starboard continuously

[pupckola]

I recently purchased a Catalina 30 (1988 model) for a very good price and this afternoon a sailor walking the dock, stopped and made the following comment: "I hope you didn't pay much for that boat because it will not sail straight". Further discussion revealed that the boat had always pulled hard to port or stbd, (he couldn't remember which), and after hauling the boat and taking exact measurements, he said they were unable to determine the cause. He said the boat was unusable because the helm pulled so hard to one side and never let up. He said the wing keel was straight and everything appeared to be symetrical. I have not sailed the boat yet because I am having it hauled to do a bottom job. Does anyone have any info regarding this problem ???????? Are there any possibilities to check while it is out of the water ?????

 

[Mike]

Two questions

First, why didn't you take a trial sail before buying the boat?

Second, If you received information that the boat sails crooked, why don't you take it for a sail before you haul it and have a bottom job?

 

[pupckola]

Too much helm

The boat had not been out of the slip for 3 years and the owner had no interest in doing anything to the boat, (all of this was reflected in the price). Sometimes you have to bet on the horse "before" the race in this kind of deal !Sailing the boat prior to hauling is a good idea.....I will do that.
Thanks......

 

[John]

To starboard?

Pulling to onel side or the other doesn't make a lot of sense to me unless the rudder is jammed to one side. Sailboats don't have alignment problems the way cars do. When you pull it, take a good look at the rudder and make sure it moves freely through its entire range. Also, make sure the rudder shaft is straight. If it were a problem with the kell being crooked I'd think you'd notice a problem by looking at the keel bolts in the bilge. Any water in the bilge? A hit hard enough to bend the keel would more likely cause it to crack at the keel/hull junction probably causing leaks.

Or does it simply have bad weather or lee helm problems? If it's the latter, it can likely be corrected with standing rigging adjustments. Take it for a sail.

Finally, the guy that sold it to you might just not have a clue.