Hello. I recently purchased a 1965 Columbia 29. I really like the boat, but I'm having control issues backing out from my slip (doesn't want to change direction) and sluggish response during tacking and jibing. It seems to me that the rudder is too small and needs more surface area. Is this a characteristic of this design or is it me? If so, has anyone tried modifying the design with a larger rudder? Thank you for your responses.
Columbia 29 rudder/steering
- Thread starter npodvin
- Start date
Thanks for your response! The hull was last cleaned in December. We had a moratorium on hull cleaning in San Diego until last month. It will be cleaned again early next month. Purchased the boat in early January and have taken it out at least six times. The control issue, especially backing out of the slip, has always been an issue. No matter what direction you turn the tiller, it just wants to go straight back and not change direction. Moving forward under power it changes direction pretty well. Fortunately, I don't anyone around me an apology yet, when getting in and out of the slip, but there have been some close calls 
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 23,352
WELCOME to the SBO forum.
Congrats on your new boat.
I understand the frustration within your query.
Kappy is correct that a dirty bottom can inhibit control function.
But that is not the primary reason for the difficulty in changing direction. I would say the primary reason is the hull shape and keel of the boat not the rudder.
I have not idea of the type of boats you used in your 5 year racing history. This boat (both the original Columbia 29 and the 29 MKII) has a long keel with a rudder attached. This design is not one to turn like a sports car. Think large 28ft box truck or 32 ft RV.
Modifying the rudder will have no impact on the influence of the long keel. As you go in reverse. You have the prop pushing water over the keel wanting to move the boat in a straight line. You can try to give the engine a burst of speed then put the prop in neutral. This may help you get better control and bite from the rudder. Just be aware nothing will be quick to turn.
Just look at the long keel on both of the designs.
This is the original 29
This is the 29 MKII
Congrats on your new boat.
I understand the frustration within your query.
Kappy is correct that a dirty bottom can inhibit control function.
But that is not the primary reason for the difficulty in changing direction. I would say the primary reason is the hull shape and keel of the boat not the rudder.
I have not idea of the type of boats you used in your 5 year racing history. This boat (both the original Columbia 29 and the 29 MKII) has a long keel with a rudder attached. This design is not one to turn like a sports car. Think large 28ft box truck or 32 ft RV.
Modifying the rudder will have no impact on the influence of the long keel. As you go in reverse. You have the prop pushing water over the keel wanting to move the boat in a straight line. You can try to give the engine a burst of speed then put the prop in neutral. This may help you get better control and bite from the rudder. Just be aware nothing will be quick to turn.
Just look at the long keel on both of the designs.
This is the original 29
This is the 29 MKII
My dockmate had a Columbia, and he had the same issue with backing out of his slip. His bottom was always pristine, and he accepted that the design of the hull was the issue. As John said, giving the engine bursts of power, and letting the rudder get a "bight" might help. Never turn the rudder on any sailboat before the boat is moving. This will only slow the boat down. Center the rudder, get the boat moving, and then steer. Makes a huge difference.
