Uneven Heeling

[J Vonasek]

We have pruchased a 1985 Hunter 34 this Summer and have found that when sailing on starboard tack the boat is about 1 knot slower and heels more exessively. Jib sheet tracks are in similar positions. The boat does have about 55 gal of water in 2 tanks. One is located on the port side and the second is in the back of the boat. They are typically full and the starboard side only has an empty, or partially full holding tank. The water tank weight is the only thing I can determine that would cause this to occur. All other wieght is usually evenly disbursed. Any ideas?

 

[Don Alexander]

55 Gals = 500 lbs = 3 people

 

[Steve Cook]

Gauge your rigging

Check to see that the rigging tension is the same on both sides of the boat.More slack on one side may make the boat heel more and not point as well, thus slowing the boat more.Does the boat sit level in her slip?Check it out.Steve,s/v The Odsyssey (H310)

 

[Clyde Lichtenwalner]

Knotmeter

Be sure the knotmeter is properly oriented. If the paddle wheel is not properly oriented fore-aft it will give varying readings on the different tacks. A 1 knot variation seems extreme.The H-34 typically lists to starboard at rest. I keep the port water tank full and have installed a group 27 battery under the port setee to counter the list.Be sure the mast is vertical and the rig is evenly tuned.

 

[ken]

knotmeter

the location of the speed wheel is on the port side ,and aft of the keel. This gives you the one knot diff, from port to starb tack