Problems Maintaining Straight Course

[oceanview2]

We Bought Our 2012 Macgregor 26m At The Factory Last Oct.
Done As Much Sailing As Time Permits. Only Found One Thing Annoying About This Boat. And I Researched It Thoriughly For Two Years Before Owning It.
That Boat Will Not Keep A Steady Course. With Calm Seas And Good Wind We Set The Sails And Head For A Decided Point Of Distant Land.
Yet It Is Necessary To Constantly Compensate At The Wheel.
Ive Owned Other Centerboard Boats.
The Boats Obeyed The Rudders.
On A Mac 26m, What Can Be Causing The Boat To Not Be Going Exactly Where We Want To Go.
Appreciate any advice. This boat should not be wandering. It's Rogers best ever.

 

[MrBill_FLL]

sail trim ?

 

[oreana123]

I have this same situation: a drinker with a boating problem

 

[Sumner]

You might also consider asking here....

http://www.macgregor26x.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=16&sid=3f70476593e3deebae82cb36b3c5f9c9

Lots of M owners over there. I think I've seen that come up before over there, but I didn't pay much attention. I know I've seen them suggest different combinations on the rudders and such.

Like Bill said probably more of a sail trim deal. Also is it worst on one point of sail vs. another?

Sum

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[oceanview2]

Thanks For The Suggestion. Sail Trim Is Ok. Occurs On Either Side Of The Boat. Did Test Different Sail Trim Combinations Plus Reducing Sail Areas.
Could Be Rudder Problems.
Oceanview2

 

[oreana123]

Sorry about that first post- couldn't resist. The last M that I inspected was brand new. I felt that the play in the rudders was unacceptable, and it only goes downhill from there. The steering linkage could be improved: any part where a bolt passes through a piece of tubing could be better re-inforced. Oversizing the holes will remove play, but you only want to do that once.

 

[Quebec1]

The M sells for 22,000$ new from the factory. What does one expect for a 26 foot sailboat that sleeps 6 can take force 5 conditions sail at 10 9 knots and motor at 18 miles per hour for 22 g's?

 

[oceanview2]

THANX FOR BOTH YOUR INPUTS.
AND YES, what can one expect from a boat that is everything but amphibious and capable of flight.
I WILL INSPECT RUDDERS. PLAY. MECHANICS STEERING SYSTEM BELOW DECKS.
APART FROM THAT, A GREAT BOAT.
VERY SAFE.

 

[MrBill_FLL]

problems on ALL points of sail? or just one? (broad reach to close hauled)

ie., downwind, I can't let go in any kind of sea, but I can balance the sails and let go in light to medium conditions and it will track pretty good... *if I don't move about and upset the balance.

-you might find an auto pilot in your future... that should solve it. at a price...

GL!

 

[oreana123]

Please remember I myself have a Macgregor in my side yard. I only state what I see when I inspect a craft, whether auto aircraft or boat. Don't get defnsive, just upgrade the weak parts.

 

[MrBill_FLL]

see if these would help reduce the slop

http://www.mcmaster.com/#rod-ends/=ghjy97

 

[nemosuit]

what can one expect from a boat that is everything but amphibious and capable of flight.

You mean, it's not?

 

[oceanview2]

Rudder Alignment Adj. Advice.

Must The Twin Rudders Be Close To Perfectly Parallel To Maintain Good Directional Control ? On The Same Page In Respect To Their Alignment ?
And If This Is Critical, What Is The Proper Way To Set Their Alignment As Close As Possible To Correct ?

 

[oceanview2]

Thanks For This Advice. We Have A Huge Mcmasters Carr Just Down The Street. And Tie Rods May Be A Viable Strong Fix.
Come In Different Sizes And Qualities. Even With Zirc Fittings. And Stainless Also. Very Strong. Bravo Zulu.

 

[oceanview2]

Tie Rods

see if these would help reduce the slop

http://www.mcmaster.com/#rod-ends/=ghjy97

Thanks For This Advice. We Have A Huge Mcmasters Carr Just Down The Street. And Tie Rods May Be A Viable Strong Fix.
Come In Different Sizes And Qualities. Even With Zirc Fittings. And Stainless Also. Very Strong. Bravo Zulu.

 

[oceanview2]

Re: Tie Rods

Must The Twin Rudders Be Close To Perfectly Parallel To Maintain Good Directional Control ? On The Same Page In Respect To Their Alignment ?
And If This Is Critical, What Is The Proper Way To Set Their Alignment As Close As Possible To Correct ?
IT WOULD BE LOGICAL THAT MISALIGNED TWIN RUDDERS WOULD BE HAVING A TUG OF WAR OVER WHICH DIRECTION TO GO. MAKES SENSE.

 

[oceanview2]

Checked This Out During The Occurance Of Our Problem. Little Effect. Continue Looking At It As A Contributing Factor
Thanks Bill

 

[MrBill_FLL]

on my hobie, I would align them just like a car.

take 2 rulers and measure the distance at the front of the blades, and the back of the blades. you'll have 'toe out' toe in, or zero toe.

the question is how much slop exists.. if anything I'd go for some toe in. vs toe out. (shorter at the front the the back).

-my thinking is under load, they will tend to toe out, so if you start with a little toe in, you might end up at zero under load....

you'll need a extra pair of hands, and measure at the same place vertically on the blades.