I have read numerous owners' review that mention a heavy weather helm on the Hunter 27 (1981). Having just purchased our Hunter 27, I haven't been on it enough to determine if this is the case with ours. If it is, I'd like to do what I can to cure the problem (if possible). I would greatly appreciate anyone who has an opinion about this and a method to do something about it. Thank you, Dave
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Weather helm
When you get right down to it, there are only two basic ways to eliminate weather helm. Sail trim and reducing sail area. There is a learning curve to getting a boat balanced, but it's worth the effort. A properly trimmed boat, should sail with very little helm input. So sail the boat, play with it, experiment with it, and you will find that balance.
When you get right down to it, there are only two basic ways to eliminate weather helm. Sail trim and reducing sail area. There is a learning curve to getting a boat balanced, but it's worth the effort. A properly trimmed boat, should sail with very little helm input. So sail the boat, play with it, experiment with it, and you will find that balance.
Tuning makes a difference too
Other approaches you can try to reduce weather helm: Shorter headstay (mast less raked back). Tighter upper shrouds (mast less bent to leeward).
Other approaches you can try to reduce weather helm: Shorter headstay (mast less raked back). Tighter upper shrouds (mast less bent to leeward).
Weather helm
You can also reduce weather helm by adjusting the trim of the boat fore and aft. The further aft the center of effort in the sails, the more weather helm. So being sure to keep it lighter aft and heavier forward makes a difference. In addition to movable ballast (people), things like the anchor (especially with chain), fuel, etc. can make a difference. Water and fuel weigh over 8 pounds a gallon, so a 20 gallon tankful can affect your fore and aft trim, especially if it is near the bow or stern. If your whole crew sits at the very back of the cockpit, you can reduce weather hlem by simply moving them forward.
You can also reduce weather helm by adjusting the trim of the boat fore and aft. The further aft the center of effort in the sails, the more weather helm. So being sure to keep it lighter aft and heavier forward makes a difference. In addition to movable ballast (people), things like the anchor (especially with chain), fuel, etc. can make a difference. Water and fuel weigh over 8 pounds a gallon, so a 20 gallon tankful can affect your fore and aft trim, especially if it is near the bow or stern. If your whole crew sits at the very back of the cockpit, you can reduce weather hlem by simply moving them forward.
Dick is correct
The first thing i would check is the mast rake. Make sure that it does not exceed 1%. This rig should have a backstay adjuster. This is vital to flattening the main which will depower it and minimize weather helm. Sail condition is also a prime factor. If your main is old and blown out you will never be able to adjust out the power of an overly full main. In this case you will have to reef early. With a good main and proper sail trim you should be able to see 18kts before reefing.
The first thing i would check is the mast rake. Make sure that it does not exceed 1%. This rig should have a backstay adjuster. This is vital to flattening the main which will depower it and minimize weather helm. Sail condition is also a prime factor. If your main is old and blown out you will never be able to adjust out the power of an overly full main. In this case you will have to reef early. With a good main and proper sail trim you should be able to see 18kts before reefing.
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