rudder problems

[Paul]

Hi, I have a question about my '98 hunter 260 fixed keel. I bought the boat as a leftover and when I was sailing it home the rudder split down the seam. I tried to tie a rope around it but the rope broke and the boat did not answer the helm. I went aground. After the repairs and replacement rudder we went sailing several times. In high winds the boat doesn't answer the helm it turns towards with the current. It seems like it is a smaller rudder. The other one I had stayed down with it's own weight and was a kick up rudder. This one has to be bolted in order to keep it down. Did hunter change the size of the rudder? Does anyone else have a problem witht the boat not answering the helm? Thanks for the help.Paul

 

[Jim Covey]

Rounding up

Paul,While my boat is a H26 and I know the rudders are different, I'm wondering if you are rounding up in high winds. This happens to me alot, nothing I do with the rudder will keep me from rounding in winds over about 18 with a reef tucked in.Talking with some racers the other day, they suggested I let the main out a little in these conditions (as well as keeping it as flat as possible). This will reduce the weather helm a bit but the back 1/4 or so of the main will flog some.As to the rudder floating up, I've seen several other posts about trouble keeping H260 rudders down. I have the opposite problem, mine is a bear to raise and seems to be drawing water into it. Maybe that's what happened with your old rudder?Good luck,Jim Coveys/v Wampeter

 

[Scott Blahnik]

Rounding up

Jim-please keep us posted about your progress. Has anyone ever suggested a modification to the rudder? Thanks SB