O'day 26 sitting bow heavy

[BelladonnaII]

I've seen a thread on this somewhere but I can't find it now and havn't been able to find much on the subject.

My 1984 O'day 26 seems to sit bow heavy in the water, so much so that my mast is noticeably leaning forward when compared to others at the dock. I originally thought that it was because the water tank and holding tank are both in the bow (I've read that some water tanks were positioned in the stern) but both tanks are currently empty.

This is an outboard model and not the inboard diesel model.

I'm curious if anyone has any experience with this or suggestions?

 

[jepomer]

First, check to see what you have stored in the cabin. Redistributing the weight may be all that is needed.

On one 22' boat, I put several heavy batteries up in the bow. After seeing it in the water with the bow boot stripe resting below water, I relocated the batteries midships (and right over the keel!) which made all the difference.

If the boot stripe is level, the mast may be leaning too far forward. Adjusting the shrouds and stays should correct the lean.

 

[BelladonnaII]

First, check to see what you have stored in the cabin. Redistributing the weight may be all that is needed.

On one 22' boat, I put several heavy batteries up in the bow. After seeing it in the water with the bow boot stripe resting below water, I relocated the batteries midships (and right over the keel!) which made all the difference.

If the boot stripe is level, the mast may be leaning too far forward. Adjusting the shrouds and stays should correct the lean.

The rig could be out of tune but I just don't think it should be this much. The stern sits up out of the water noticeably. I'd say 6-7 inches atleast.

There really is not alot of gear onboard other than a spare sail in a port settee and lifejackets/various tools in a starboard settee. One battery in aft cockpit locker and that's about it.

I'm wondering if it could just be a lack of gear. My cockpit lockers are largely empty. I need to add a second battery and a 6 gal gas tank at least because my outboard is running off it's internal tank as of right now.

 

[agprice22]

Is the motor on it? If not, it should sit a little more level with it on. Also, how many people sail with you? Have that many people get in the cockpit and then look at how level the boat is... Adding 250 - 400 lbs to the cockpit should do it! My 272 sits a couple inches low in the bow... with no one on board.

Thanks, Andrew

 

[jepomer]

Try to eliminate the no-cost solutions first. Often the solutions are very obvious once you find them.

A molded-in boot stripe is a great reference point. When the boat is loaded normally, the boot stripe will be parallel with the water. The mast will be vertical or leaning just slightly towards the stern.

Someone could have over-tightened any of the turnbuckles.

Tuning the rigging starts with getting the boat "level" (ideally with the boot stripe).

Loosen the side shrouds providing minimal tension to keep the mast from falling down. Then adjust the turnbuckle on the forestay so the mast is vertical or has a slight lean backwards. Some boats have a defined forestay length. If known, start with that. The backstay should be able to provide enough tension to keep the mast from leaning forward.

The shrouds are then tensioned - first the top ones, then the lower ones. These are tensioned depending on the local winds - looser for light winds. The lower ones are not as tight as the upper ones.

Use a tension gauge. When sailing a reach, the inner shroud should just begin to feel "loose".

This should get you started...

 

[Capt jgw]

Put two or three people in the cockpit and check the boot stripe again. If she's level in sailing trim (crew aboard) then it doesn't matter what she's doing at the dock. If you have a manual or sail plan for the boat, designed mast rake should be listed there.

 

[BelladonnaII]

Is the motor on it? If not, it should sit a little more level with it on. Also, how many people sail with you? Have that many people get in the cockpit and then look at how level the boat is... Adding 250 - 400 lbs to the cockpit should do it! My 272 sits a couple inches low in the bow... with no one on board.

Thanks, Andrew

The motor is on it but the only fuel onboard is what's in the internal tank. It's a 6hp 4 stroke outboard so it's pretty light.

I actually have not seen the boat at the dock when other people were onboard so that could certainly be part of it.

I'm going to add about 6 gals of fuel, a second battery, some other gear that needs to go in cockpit lockers and 2 people on board. I'll then step back and take a look before messing with the rigging too much.

I did have to tighten the backstay quite a bit when I bought the boat, it was very loose. I now have the turnbuckle very close to max. It's possible that the mast has depressed the cabin top at the tabernacle a tiny bit but I don't think enough to change the rigging that much. (Removing the tabernacle and re-glassing that area is a project for next winter)