Pulling to right when underway ( Motor & Sailing) - Catalina Mk2 42 ft

[Rick J B]

Hi All,
I own a Catalina Mk2 42 and have recently experienced a veering of steer to the right when underway. This occurs more severe when increase of speed, be that on sail or motor. Initially I thought this may be due to kelp or something caught on the rudder. However after cleaning the boat this is not the case. Has anyone experienced this or could share their expertise on likely causes. The wheel steerage has a hydraulic arm for the auto pilot. The boat is built 2000 ( # 704 ) . I have her on a mooring and have not caught the prop in lines or had any such reason to suggest for this . It has occurred in the last month of sailing. I have also checked for any obstructions in the aft lockers -none. Help ! Thanks so much. Kind regards, Rick Bland

 

[Stu Jackson]

Rick, are you sure it's pulling to the right or do you have to turn your wheel to the right?

 

[Rick J B]

Hi! It slowly turns on its own if I take the hands off.

 

[justsomeguy]

Google the term "prop walk".

Edit- D'oh! Just read the title of the thread! While motoring, sure, prop walk, but when sailing, sail trim?
Does this happen on either tack?

 

[KD3PC]

likely a characteristic of the boat, in many cases it can be adjusted "out" by setting your rudder a few degrees off center, while the wheel is centered. On my hunter you can do this at the steering quadrant, not sure the "how" on the Catalina.

You may also be getting unequal pressures from the steering system. There is an adjustment/centering/equalizing process, that is pretty DIY.

While in there be sure to check that all of your steering is free moving, lubricated and any wear items are in good shape.

I have seen the top bushing cause this, as it would bind - due to wear on the one side - not be neutral.

 

[Benny17441]

If it veers the same both when running under power and when running under sail with the engine off then it is likely a rudder issue. Run to speed under power and then shift to neutral, does it still veer? The most common cause is a fouled prop but not the cause for a veer under sail. Not familiar with your boat or setup but the mention of a hydraulic steering component raises an issue. Verify the function and whether the hydraulic arm is in good working order. Check for any worn bushings in the steering mechanism. When last was the bottom of the boat cleaned? You have not hit the rudder or the rudder has not been hit by an obstruction or moving object? Has the keel been grounded?

 

[Rick J B]

Thank youso much for your valuable insights. I'm scheduled to bottom paint next month and will inspection for alignment and any prop issues. My diver says not. However one interesting thought from a Catalina 42ft owner is:maybe due to only filling portside water tanks could it explain the veering,due to weight dis tiburon and hull design profile . I'm testing this out next sail. I have not grounded the keel. I will also check the hydrolic arm for the auto pilot for any adnormalities.

 

[lee oakley]

You may want to check all ballast (anything or material ) may have more weight stored on starboard side

 

[lee oakley]

that's probably right weight on one side more than the other seem's most likely

 

[weinie]

Are you sure its not just a steering wheel alignment issue?

(eta: what stu said.)

 

[jssailem]

I agree with the Balance ideas ( water, fuel, sails or food etc...) Has there been a grounding? Even what feels like a soft nudge on the keel can change the alignment in some systems.

There could be a haul out in your future.

If you go that way, check for changes in the hull surface. Boats age, and sometimes the internal bulkheads press out on the fiberglass hull causing deformity. Changes to hull shape makes changes to water surface drag. This can induce a change to the way the boat flows through the water, resulting is the symptoms described. You can offset with the rudder to counteract the drag, treating the symptom. Of course this will reduce boat speed in the process.

 

[Rick J B]

Hi All,Thanks for all your thoughts. Since filling all fresh water tanks, the veering has reduced dramatically. I hope this concludes the issue.

 

[jibes138]

Based on reply #12 I wonder if your rigging tension could be unevenly distorting the hull a bit. Just a WAG but you might want to look at that also. I saw a Newport 30 once where the hull was severely oil canned because the rig was way too tight. Granted your boat is a bit beefier than that one but so is the rig. It might not take much to mess up the flow across the hull.