This Saturday I had a friend on board who has a great deal of sailing experience. I wanted him to evaluate some new sails that I was somewhat disappointed in. He had never sailed on a 260, but shortly after taking the helm he commented that he did not like the rudder action and that it did not seem to be balanced at all. On my 260, I have always had to have a hand on the tiller else it would swing wildly to one side or the other. We got into a discussion and he suggested that I allow the rudder to come up a bit. I released the downhaul rope about one quarter of an inch and instantly a transformation took place. The rudder was now completely balanced- it stayed exactly where I put it! Of course that might not be a good thing were I to fall off the boat, but it does make it a great deal easier to single hand without using an auto helm or rudder lock of some kind. I am amazed that such a small change could result in such a great change...