I have heard that some of the older Islander 32's (Standard Wayfarer McGlasson model 1964-69) had weatherhelm problems. I have mine in drydock for restoration work and if there is a problem that can be fixed, I'd like to do it while she is out of the water. Any info on how she will handle in the water would be helpful.
Islander 32 Standard -- Weather Helm?
- Thread starter Larry77
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Compromises.....
Sailboat design is full of compromises... catboat vs sloop, full keel vs fin keel, what might be a problem in one area proves beneficial in another. The big question have you noticed a problem with weather helm? ( for racing you want a slight bit of weather helm) In most cases the cause for weather helm is the boat is overpowered. Try depowering the boat. Try one of the seven ways. Adding rake will depower the boat, by lowering the sails and adding mast bend. But the most effect comes from moving the center of effort aft. unfortunally this will slow the boat down if its out of balance (ie lee or weather helm). If your boat has a "problem" the mast could be moved forward or aft to correct it. Unless you know someone that did this to thier I32 and had great sucess would not recommend the expense of experimenting with moving a mast. Personally, I would try your boat in the condition you normal sail in, trim the sails for the conditions, then see if you have any weather helm or if its just a rumor started by someone who doesnt know how to trim sails.
Sailboat design is full of compromises... catboat vs sloop, full keel vs fin keel, what might be a problem in one area proves beneficial in another. The big question have you noticed a problem with weather helm? ( for racing you want a slight bit of weather helm) In most cases the cause for weather helm is the boat is overpowered. Try depowering the boat. Try one of the seven ways. Adding rake will depower the boat, by lowering the sails and adding mast bend. But the most effect comes from moving the center of effort aft. unfortunally this will slow the boat down if its out of balance (ie lee or weather helm). If your boat has a "problem" the mast could be moved forward or aft to correct it. Unless you know someone that did this to thier I32 and had great sucess would not recommend the expense of experimenting with moving a mast. Personally, I would try your boat in the condition you normal sail in, trim the sails for the conditions, then see if you have any weather helm or if its just a rumor started by someone who doesnt know how to trim sails.
Compromises.....
Sailboat design is full of compromises... catboat vs sloop, full keel vs fin keel, what might be a problem in one area proves beneficial in another. The big question have you noticed a problem with weather helm? ( for racing you want a slight bit of weather helm) In most cases the cause for weather helm is the boat is overpowered. Try depowering the boat. Try one of the seven ways. Adding rake will depower the boat, by lowering the sails and adding mast bend. But the most effect comes from moving the center of effort aft. unfortunally this will slow the boat down if its out of balance (ie lee or weather helm). If your boat has a "problem" the mast could be moved forward or aft to correct it. Unless you know someone that did this to thier I32 and had great sucess would not recommend the expense of experimenting with moving a mast. Personally, I would try your boat in the condition you normal sail in, trim the sails for the conditions, then see if you have any weather helm or if its just a rumor started by someone who doesnt know how to trim sails.
Sailboat design is full of compromises... catboat vs sloop, full keel vs fin keel, what might be a problem in one area proves beneficial in another. The big question have you noticed a problem with weather helm? ( for racing you want a slight bit of weather helm) In most cases the cause for weather helm is the boat is overpowered. Try depowering the boat. Try one of the seven ways. Adding rake will depower the boat, by lowering the sails and adding mast bend. But the most effect comes from moving the center of effort aft. unfortunally this will slow the boat down if its out of balance (ie lee or weather helm). If your boat has a "problem" the mast could be moved forward or aft to correct it. Unless you know someone that did this to thier I32 and had great sucess would not recommend the expense of experimenting with moving a mast. Personally, I would try your boat in the condition you normal sail in, trim the sails for the conditions, then see if you have any weather helm or if its just a rumor started by someone who doesnt know how to trim sails.
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