I own a 1998 320 and in strong wind conditions it weathers very badly. In fact it is so bad that in 30 mph wind it can get stuck in irons and the only way out it to start the engine. This usually happens only when I am sailing alone and with only the main sail up. Anybody else having this problem and any suggestions?
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Bob Reitz
re. weather helm
I had same problem on my 30tr and similar but somewhat less on my 36. On the 36 I Put toggles on the backstays and tightened 2 inches on the forestay, I can now balance the helm with the sail trim. If the wind puffs up it rounds up a little bit. How much sail do you have up when this happens?
I had same problem on my 30tr and similar but somewhat less on my 36. On the 36 I Put toggles on the backstays and tightened 2 inches on the forestay, I can now balance the helm with the sail trim. If the wind puffs up it rounds up a little bit. How much sail do you have up when this happens?
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Bob Reitz
re.weather h 2
In that wind try a 2nd reef main and about 110% genoa, or if it will not balance try dropping the main and experiment with the genoa alone. Good Luck
In that wind try a 2nd reef main and about 110% genoa, or if it will not balance try dropping the main and experiment with the genoa alone. Good Luck
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MJ
Move the traveler
to leeward a little at a time until it balances. Also, setting your jib will give you more balance in that the jib will cause your boat to fall off the wind. This lee helm will balance the weather helm you are now experiencing with only the mainsail up.
to leeward a little at a time until it balances. Also, setting your jib will give you more balance in that the jib will cause your boat to fall off the wind. This lee helm will balance the weather helm you are now experiencing with only the mainsail up.
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David Bergevin
rounding up
You have too much trim on your main. Ease the trim and traveler so that there is perception of at least some weather helm. That way the boat will round up rather than fall off. Falling off when you release your steering will cause a broach in stiff wind (not desirable). You may have to reef and shorten headsail area but safety first especially since you have said that you singlehand. Flat is fast... ok, a little heel is acceptable. If your rail is always in the water, you are going to pay dearly sooner or later. David B. three rudders and still learning.
You have too much trim on your main. Ease the trim and traveler so that there is perception of at least some weather helm. That way the boat will round up rather than fall off. Falling off when you release your steering will cause a broach in stiff wind (not desirable). You may have to reef and shorten headsail area but safety first especially since you have said that you singlehand. Flat is fast... ok, a little heel is acceptable. If your rail is always in the water, you are going to pay dearly sooner or later. David B. three rudders and still learning.
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doug
weather helm and the 270
I have that problem also with my 270. Seems like you have the right amount of canvas up and here comes a puff, and wham....you have the jib backed on the other tack. My mast is canted aft a few degrees, and this year, when the ice melts, I am gonna take some length out of the fore stay to righten the mast. Hope this works!
I have that problem also with my 270. Seems like you have the right amount of canvas up and here comes a puff, and wham....you have the jib backed on the other tack. My mast is canted aft a few degrees, and this year, when the ice melts, I am gonna take some length out of the fore stay to righten the mast. Hope this works!
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Joe
Too much main....
.... reduce power in main by flattening (or reefing), change to smaller jib or reef genoa for balance. Trim with traveller to balance helm. Sailing with main only increases weather helm tendencies.
.... reduce power in main by flattening (or reefing), change to smaller jib or reef genoa for balance. Trim with traveller to balance helm. Sailing with main only increases weather helm tendencies.
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Jon W.
With Mainsail Only?
Marty, After reading your statement that "it usually happens with only the mainsail up", I will tell you that anyone would have a weather helm problem under this condition. A sloop rig will not balance properly with only one sail up. It's just less noticeable in lighter winds. Although you should be able to get "out of irons" by letting the main out.
Marty, After reading your statement that "it usually happens with only the mainsail up", I will tell you that anyone would have a weather helm problem under this condition. A sloop rig will not balance properly with only one sail up. It's just less noticeable in lighter winds. Although you should be able to get "out of irons" by letting the main out.
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Melody Miller
Use the head sail
Hi Marty: Under the conditions you describe your bow will not stay down in the water with only the mainsail up. Without a headsail, your center of effort is too far aft and your boat is like a weather vane. Try to reef the main first, rather than take down (or not deploy) the head sail. Good luck, Melody
Hi Marty: Under the conditions you describe your bow will not stay down in the water with only the mainsail up. Without a headsail, your center of effort is too far aft and your boat is like a weather vane. Try to reef the main first, rather than take down (or not deploy) the head sail. Good luck, Melody
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Mike I.
I've read all the replies so far and they are very informative, and correct as far as I can tell. When I started sailing my C-30 I experienced a lot of weather helm and got the same answers you did. But, to put it easier to understand; the main is overpowered. All the help given so far will have about the about the same result, that is; less power from the main. Any trim or rigging adjustment mentioned will depower, or have the effect of depowering the main sail. I couldn't remember what line to tighten, or what way to move that thingamawhatsit until I learned WHY to move them. Hope this helps.
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