Rudder too Small

[Gene Alphonse]

I think the rudder on the Hunter 22 is too small. In good wind, the boat bounces off course.

 

[Andy Komorowski]

No problem Here

I have no problem with my 22. Perhaps the sail balance could be improved

 

[Michael Findlan]

Rudder and Balance

I'm not having any problems with the rudder and trim. Usually, if it wo'nt hold a line of course, then your sail trim is wrong. Not to presume a mistake on your part, but you may be overpowering the boat by trimming in to tight at times or too much sail for conditions. Furl in a little. I use an original size main, with a 155% Genoa (a J24 jib)on a old CDI furler. The boat performs so much better in the light winds (3-10mph) I have on the Ohio river and on windy days I furl the jib some or just ease off on the main and/or jib sheet. I can get the boat to typically hold a decent track without pressure on the tiller.

 

[John]

Centerboard???

Maybe your centerboard is sticking?? It could be that it's not dropping all the way or the cable is fouled? If you drop the board it should give you some stabiltiy and tracking. Sail trim is the next thing I would check...like the others suggest.

 

[Bill]

sail condition

Gene, do you have the original main on the boat? If so, you may have the same problem I do. My boat exhibits quite a lot of weather helm in anything over 12 knots of wind, and I think the problem is this: The original main is so blown out that the sail's draft is way too far back. If you can see a fold in front of the batten pockets, then the sail is worn and thus too powerful. If you're lucky enough to have a cunningham on the sail, crank the heck out of it to bring the draft forward, and flatten the sail as much as you can otherwise. The boat should start to handle better- and by the way- weather helm is a good thing when it's not excessive. I wouldn't expect a 22 footer with the tiller tied down to sail straight for more than a few moments.