I am a new H28 owner and am unable to find what the maximum heel the boat can take before encountering loss of rudder control. I prefer not to find out the hard way. : )
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heel angles
Most modern sloops will have an optimum heel angle of usually 12 to 22 deg. There are some that fall outside this range though. If you're sailing at say, more than 20 deg., you need to flatten the sails or reduce sail area. No boat likes to sail on it's ear, they're not designed for it,and it's actually slower.(if you get more than about 6 deg. of rudder deflection it starts to act like a brake. Just like on an airplane, a little flap adds lift, a lot of flap adds drag) Stay flat, go fast, be comfortable, and enjoy the ride! Mark
Most modern sloops will have an optimum heel angle of usually 12 to 22 deg. There are some that fall outside this range though. If you're sailing at say, more than 20 deg., you need to flatten the sails or reduce sail area. No boat likes to sail on it's ear, they're not designed for it,and it's actually slower.(if you get more than about 6 deg. of rudder deflection it starts to act like a brake. Just like on an airplane, a little flap adds lift, a lot of flap adds drag) Stay flat, go fast, be comfortable, and enjoy the ride! Mark
Well......
I never had a heel angle indicator on my 28, but had some friends that loved to sail with the toe rail in the water. The only time I would lose rudder control was in high winds or major gusts. As Mark pointed out, sailing with the rail in the water does slow you down and this is when you will most likely lose rudder control and have to ease the traveler, main sheet, or jib. So the real answer is that if you are losing control of the rudder, you need to throw a reef in the main/jib and sail a little more upright, you will go faster and most of your guests will find it more comfortable. Of course those slanted coamings are the best seat in the house when heeled over
Regards. Bruce Neon Moon
I never had a heel angle indicator on my 28, but had some friends that loved to sail with the toe rail in the water. The only time I would lose rudder control was in high winds or major gusts. As Mark pointed out, sailing with the rail in the water does slow you down and this is when you will most likely lose rudder control and have to ease the traveler, main sheet, or jib. So the real answer is that if you are losing control of the rudder, you need to throw a reef in the main/jib and sail a little more upright, you will go faster and most of your guests will find it more comfortable. Of course those slanted coamings are the best seat in the house when heeled over
Regards. Bruce Neon MoonExpensive Bottom Paint
If you're really proud of that expensive coat of Petit Trinidad, show it off! After all, heeling is self-limiting but broaching can be embarrassing. I'm sure the boat will take a lot more nonsense than the crew will. Ken S/V Wouff Hong
If you're really proud of that expensive coat of Petit Trinidad, show it off! After all, heeling is self-limiting but broaching can be embarrassing. I'm sure the boat will take a lot more nonsense than the crew will. Ken S/V Wouff Hong
Thanks
Bruce, Mark, and Ken Appreciate the replies.... the 28 is a fun boat... we are in the process of getting to know her....
Bruce, Mark, and Ken Appreciate the replies.... the 28 is a fun boat... we are in the process of getting to know her....
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