I just bought a Hunter 23 and put her in the water this weekend. We have bad weather helm. I'm a cat sailer from way back and understand the mast rake and rudder rake in relation to the problem. On the Hunter it seems that once the mast is raised, there is no way to rake forward. Does forestay tension equal mast rake? Has anyone raked the rudder to help with this? I was using a 155 genoa, does this compound the problem? Any thoughts on this will be helpful. Other than that, I love this boat. Deano
Weather helm
- Thread starter MeandE
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No absolutely not, mast rake and forestay tension are two entirely different things. Rake has a major impact on weather helm but there are many possible causes.
Sounds like you need to get your rig tuned first. Set your rig up with 1% rake, get the mast in column, then tension the shrouds equally to 20% SWL
Rudder rake adjustment is a new one on me. Please explain?
Sounds like you need to get your rig tuned first. Set your rig up with 1% rake, get the mast in column, then tension the shrouds equally to 20% SWL
Rudder rake adjustment is a new one on me. Please explain?
try adjusting the sails
weather helm is cause by either too much mainsail or too little headsail power. depower the main or power up the headsail. Most folks try to make their boat look like the pictures and end up with less than expected performance on anything other than close-hauled.
I'd try this first as it is easy.
weather helm is cause by either too much mainsail or too little headsail power. depower the main or power up the headsail. Most folks try to make their boat look like the pictures and end up with less than expected performance on anything other than close-hauled.
I'd try this first as it is easy.
If the main is really poorly trimmed or shot/baggy then the draft can move aft causing your issue. Does it behave in 8-10kt winds or are we talking about an overpowered main/jib on a windy day? I'd make sure the rig is set as Alan described and then trim your sails as well as possible on a light/moderate day.
Rudder rake can be set on some boats(like my 260) but I'm not sure on a 23. Once it's right it's golden. If it's real bad I'd think it'd be a pretty easy thing to spot with your cat experience. Basically it's about the rudders center of effort being in balance with the rudder post much like we all try to accomplish with a well trimmed set of sails in relation to the CE of the keel. It's a greater issue on a speedy cat than it is on a dodgey old plodding mono hull(sorry, my bias against 6kts top speed is flaring).
Signed, Plod along Mike
Rudder rake can be set on some boats(like my 260) but I'm not sure on a 23. Once it's right it's golden. If it's real bad I'd think it'd be a pretty easy thing to spot with your cat experience. Basically it's about the rudders center of effort being in balance with the rudder post much like we all try to accomplish with a well trimmed set of sails in relation to the CE of the keel. It's a greater issue on a speedy cat than it is on a dodgey old plodding mono hull(sorry, my bias against 6kts top speed is flaring).
Signed, Plod along Mike
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