Self Righting

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26macsailer

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Dec 20, 2009
54
MacGregor 26D Fort Worth
I have a MacGregor 26D, and while out sailing using the main sail and a large jib I experienced something new that I could not explain.

The boat was heeling over where the water was inches from the windows, and even though I was keeping the bow into the wind (full rudder) the boat would turn downwind and right itself.

This happened to me 3 times, and the only thing I could come up with is that the dagger board came to far out of the water which caused me to loose control.

What do y'all think, anyone ever experience this?
 
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r.oril

r.oril

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Oct 29, 2008
586
MacGregor 26D and Catalina 30 26 - 30 Lancaster, CA
Ballast Tank full? I like to wash the windows on my 26D once in a while but have not had your experence. I do have a Idasailor rudder.
 
Timo42

Timo42

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Mar 26, 2007
1,042
Venture 22 Marina del Rey
Sounds like a normal round up, the rudder stalled and couldn't steer the boat anymore. The only advice I can give you is what the doctor told me when I said "It hurts when I do that. He said "Don't do that". The boat will go faster with less heel and the rudder will be more effective.
 
D

Dave 627

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Jun 6, 2010
1
macgregor 25 Greentown PA
Aren't they supposed to round up, not round downwind, my Mac 25 does this also it concerns me too.
 
Timo42

Timo42

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Mar 26, 2007
1,042
Venture 22 Marina del Rey
Oops didn't read it that closely, you are falling off the wind, not rounding up. Are you using a genoa? headsail probably overpowering the rudder control...same advice though...:D
 
2

26macsailer

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Dec 20, 2009
54
MacGregor 26D Fort Worth
Thanks for the info, I have clarified my post and hopefully made it more accurate and clear. Side effects of extended sun exposure, lol.
 
2

26macsailer

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Dec 20, 2009
54
MacGregor 26D Fort Worth
I believe the ballast was full, the water was a few inches below the top which has been standard for my boat
 
Timo42

Timo42

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Mar 26, 2007
1,042
Venture 22 Marina del Rey
The standard rudder is basically a slab of fiberglass rounded off at the ends, the Idasail blade is a major improvement, as is the gas shock kick up.
 
2

26macsailer

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Dec 20, 2009
54
MacGregor 26D Fort Worth
nope, the wind was on the starboard side and it blew me downwind

I'm not sure what the winds were getting up to but it was forcast for about 15 knots.

at what point (if there is one) is it not efficient to heal past, 20 degrees? is it because you loose to much speed?

i need to buy an inclinmeter

one day i plan to upgrade to the new and improved rudder system
 
2

26macsailer

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Dec 20, 2009
54
MacGregor 26D Fort Worth
Mr Bill
Did you notice a big difference in your modified rudder? did you fill the gap between the rudder and the new leading edge with something?
 
MrBill_FLL

MrBill_FLL

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May 4, 2005
4,062
Macgregor 26d Ft Lauderdale, Fl
I have a idasalor rudder, but that pic was from another owners boat.
it was reported to work just fine, as is. I do not think any additonal mods were made.

some have added some leading edge to their stock rudder, w/ epoxy or wood fillers.


-if your boat turns downwind in a puff, you have a serious problem!!!

I'd like to see a side picture of your mast in the water (no sails) at rest.

the boat should always turn into the wind.

What happens if you let go of the tiller when sailing? turns upwind or downwind?

honestly, I don't know if the rudder will solve your problem...


EDIT: WHAT POINT OF SAIL WERE YOU AT, WHEN THE BOAT TURNED DOWNWIND? Broad reaching? (wind on the rear quarter)
 
C

CEOmike

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Jul 21, 2009
48
2 26s Point du chene
If the mast is raked back about 2 or 3 degrees you can loose all the weatherhelm, if there is no aft rake or even forward rake then it would round down. But I am not sure what the heel would have to do with this, then maybe the rake and wind overcoming the rudder.

Almost all problem like this in my experience have been related to incorrect rake - that can be overcome with rudder and SB mods - but not neccessary. With perfect rake a boat will sail itself on matched points and winds.
 
K

Knuttle

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Sep 25, 2008
295
1970 Venture by Macgregor 21 Clayton, NC
What Point Of Sail Were You At

++++EDIT: WHAT POINT OF SAIL WERE YOU AT, WHEN THE BOAT TURNED DOWNWIND? Broad reaching? (wind on the rear quarter++++

I agree if you were sailing with the wind behind the beam, ie nearly from the stern what you said happen when heeled may not be unnatural for he boat.

If you had that much heel when the boat was sailing with the wind coming from the stern quarter, then you definitely had to much sail for the condition, or had a keel/ballast problem.
 
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