Wheel effort - Hunter 460

[Skip Redman]

Yesterday I tested a 2 year old 460 off the San Diego coast in 20k winds. Under full sail it felt to me like the steering gear was much too difficult to manage comfortably. As far as I know, the wheel is the standard size but it took all I had to fight it just to make slight corrections. I tested a Cat 47 a few weeks ago in lighter winds and other than feeling some slop, the wheel effort was at least 2/3 less. Any thoughts?

 

[Bill O'Donovan]

Weather helm

20k winds will make it hard turning on any boat, especially if you're not reefed. Was the jib up? That would have made it all the harder. Rule of thumb is to reef at 15 OR pull in the jib, preferably both.

 

[patti17468]

could be the propeller

We've had a 460 for several seasons and also struggle with the helm in heavy winds. Have found reefing or easing the main down on the traveler (don't let out the main sheet) will help. The full roach main adds quite a bit of sail area vs the roller-furler main. We put on a folding prop this year and it took all the pull out of the wheel under motor.

 

[Jim Dort]

A Friend has a similar problem

I have a Hunter 420 docked at Marina Cortez on Harbor Island (San Diego). I have no problem with the force needed to turn the wheel. However, two slips away is another 420 with the problem you have. I believe David (that boat's owner) would readily discuss his problem with you ... currently he is in the process of correcting the problem, and is about to replace the rudder's cables before he leaves on an extended trip up the coast to Washington. If you wish, I could give him your phone number and you two could trade thoughts on possible solutions. I may not read these responses often enough, so feel free to phone me at 619-733-1060 or email me: jdort@san.rr.com.Jim Dort