Does putting aft rake on the rudder actual increase the tendency of the boat to turn into the wind (weather helm) or does it just change the feel of the rudder at the tiller or wheel? In other words, lets say you are going upwind with a neutral helm and without making any other adjustments you rake the rudder to the aft, will this in itself cause the boat to head into the wind?
Rudder rake and helm
- Thread starter Quoddy
- Start date
- Status
For most of us there is no rudder adjustment BUT the mast rake can be adjusted to balance out the boat in much the same way a windsurfer turns by moving the mast
Thinking in terms of forces - raking the rudder aft will move its center of resistance (to slip) back a little and actually cause slightly more lee helm. It'll also require more force on the tiller to make desired course changes. If you are referring to your 260, just try raising the rudder a few degrees and see how it feels.
Many beach cats and some larger cats do have this adjustment.
The answer is "both."
The feel certainly changes. Even a small amount of forward balance makes a huge difference. Just a few percent change in total % forward is major, so go slowly.
Changing the rake forward also effects backing. It greatly reduces the tendency of the helm to go hard over.
It will not change the balance of forces between the keel and rudder, like raking the mast does. However, it will "feel" like lee helm if you rake too far forward. There will still be load on the rudder post, but the boat will want to fall of if you let go.
So make the changes very small. Also, make certain that the excessive feel you are trying to get rid of is not the result of poor sail balance. Check the actual rudder angle of attack on both tacks; it should be between 2-4 degrees (others please add info). Changing the rake will not help if the rudder is over loaded; it will just hide an obvious symptom.
Also trying playing with sail trim; travel down a little. Flatten the main with the down haul (draft forward). Reef earlier. Things like that.
The answer is "both."
The feel certainly changes. Even a small amount of forward balance makes a huge difference. Just a few percent change in total % forward is major, so go slowly.
Changing the rake forward also effects backing. It greatly reduces the tendency of the helm to go hard over.
It will not change the balance of forces between the keel and rudder, like raking the mast does. However, it will "feel" like lee helm if you rake too far forward. There will still be load on the rudder post, but the boat will want to fall of if you let go.
So make the changes very small. Also, make certain that the excessive feel you are trying to get rid of is not the result of poor sail balance. Check the actual rudder angle of attack on both tacks; it should be between 2-4 degrees (others please add info). Changing the rake will not help if the rudder is over loaded; it will just hide an obvious symptom.
Also trying playing with sail trim; travel down a little. Flatten the main with the down haul (draft forward). Reef earlier. Things like that.
Be very careful
I didn't tighten the rudder down sufficiently and it swung out just a bit. Winds gusting to 26 and 6 foot swells. It took both hands to hold the tiller. I turned upwind and the tiller pulled me across the cockpit.
The next day with the rudder pulled tight forward, two fingers on the tiller extension was all it took to hold it.
I didn't tighten the rudder down sufficiently and it swung out just a bit. Winds gusting to 26 and 6 foot swells. It took both hands to hold the tiller. I turned upwind and the tiller pulled me across the cockpit.
The next day with the rudder pulled tight forward, two fingers on the tiller extension was all it took to hold it.
Rudder thanks
Thanks for answers. As I suspected, rake changes rudder balance dramatically with little effect on boat balance.
Thanks for answers. As I suspected, rake changes rudder balance dramatically with little effect on boat balance.
- Status