Catalina 30 steering

[Fred]

Sailing buddy owns a Catalina 30, 1978. Develops substantial "self-steering" under sail or power . Helmsman has to constantly fight the wheel especially as boat speed increases. This is not excessive lee or weather helm as it can not be offset by altering sail trim. Owner thought the problem might be due to excessive rudder balance and had the leading edge of rudder removed almost back to the rudder shaft (not my idea!). Problem persists. Can anyone help?

 

[Allen]

Wow

Hey Fred,My initial advice to your buddy would be for him to have more faith in the design team at Catalina. If he's having what he considers major steering issues, it's probably NOT due to some design flaw. Rather, it's more likely to be piloting error, sail trim, growth on the prop/rudder, etc. Leave the hydro-dynamic designs to the engineers at the factory.As I think about it more, he should know that sailboats rarely keep a course without near constant tweeking from the helm. As speeds increase, so will the effort it takes to keep her going straight. If he wants a more "hands free" experience, he should at least get a wheel brake that can put tension on the steering and reduce the amount of work a helmsman may need. At best, he should get an autopilot.I've had a 1977 C-30 for almost 4 years and I've never been able to get it to go straight without any helm input unless I was close hauled with steady winds & perfectly balanced sail trim. Under power it's worse.Tell your buddy to get a new rudder & an autopilot.Allen Schweitzers/v FalstaffC-30 Hull #632

 

[josh]

To Covert or not to Convert?

OK here goes:  First off Catalinas hydrowhatsits at the factory offered, for quite some time, a conversion of your existing rudder on the 30. As part of this catalina endorsed conversion the rudder glass was stripped down to the post. Then replaced in a smaller leading edge, smaller following edge, deeper overall length style. The purpose of the redesign, as i understand it is to create less drag without steerage loss. (Oh by the way the rudders were changed in production lines midway through 1978)The old style rudders are a constant debate but the "converted" seem thrilled with the easier helm. It was reported to be especially effective with regards to beating or reaching. As well as lessening propwash effects under mechanized propulsion. As for wantonly chopping off rudder sections..... I say call catalina they have the specs for a proper alteration, and stop abusing that poor defenseless 30!