Proper use of the wheel brake?

clmooring

clmooring

.
Oct 7, 2016
68
Hunter 356 Little Creek, Norfolk VA
I purchased a H356 in december 2018. I have had it out about a half dozen times so far this spring.

This last week-end, I was out sailing with apparent winds around 18 to 20 knots. My wife was with me. We were out for a comfortable afternoon sail, so I was under the full jib only; no main sail at all. depending on the wind, current, course etc, I was making 4 to 6+ knots speed over the ground. The knot meter was not working because it needed cleaning. I took care of that the next day.
Another part of the story is that my auto pilot is not working. So I played with the wheel lock to see if it would hold course. It did, very well. In fact on my way back in I sailed about 7 nautical miles in 18 to 20 winds, 4 ft waves and really did not have to make an adjustment at all. I was quite happy!

But then as I lay in bed that night reviewing the trip, and because of relative in experience, I started to worry that locking the wheel in this manner puts too much stress on the rudder. Then I think, well isn't that what the rudder is for... to hold course against the slip stream of the rushing water?

I would appreciate thoughts from folks with more knowledge and experience than me... which is just about everyone.
 
M

markwbird

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Nov 26, 2012
1,654
C&C 40-2 Berkeley
It puts no more stress on the rudder than if you were holding the wheel with your hand . . or your foot if you have a beer in your hand. That is fine.
 
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Brian D

Brian D

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Feb 17, 2006
5,274
Lancer 27PS MCB Camp Pendleton KF6BL
If your sail(s) is/are well balanced and the boat is holding course, why not turn off the autopilot and just lock the wheel? I do, and I have not seen "out of norm" wear on the belts or the rudder. Personally I don't think you have too much to worry about. However, it would be prudent to find a replacement belt and have it on hand in case you have a malfunction of the original belt.
 
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jon hansen

jon hansen

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May 25, 2012
4,338
john alden caravelle 42 sturgeon bay, wis
the wheel brake is made to do what you did. it's fun to lock the wheel and tickle the sails to hold a course. you can also use the brake as a damper in heavy seas as well so that the heavy loads are not held by just your arm muscles. i use my brake on every sail.
 
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jon hansen

jon hansen

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May 25, 2012
4,338
john alden caravelle 42 sturgeon bay, wis
justin, the OP's photo shows that he has a dodger and bimini. all that drag will balance out the head sail quite nicely. on my yawl we use the mizzen to balance a head sail with the main down, same effect really.
 
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clmooring

clmooring

.
Oct 7, 2016
68
Hunter 356 Little Creek, Norfolk VA
Justin_NSA said:
I'm surprised the boat stayed balanced under headsail alone. Slipping leeward maybe?
Click to expand
Surprisingly and to my great pleasure, the boat tracked right down the course on the chart plotter. No autopilot used, just the wheel lock. It was a great deal of fun. I sat back and enjoyed the ride. Still need to get the new autopilot installed though.....
 
Jackdaw

Jackdaw

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Nov 8, 2010
11,386
Beneteau First 36.7 & 260 Minneapolis MN & Bayfield WI
Also note that wheel breaks are designed so that they can be ON and a driver can still quite easily turn the wheel. In an emergency no need to turn the break off. And as noted, sometimes a little brake friction can make hand steering easier. Just don't make the AP drive with it on!
 
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