Catboat Forum


It was the rudder that caused the weather helm.

Posted By: Dave, Sun Cat #103, Grand Haven, MI
Date: 7/22/08 6:50a.m.

Report: outside forum guidelines

In Response To: Went sailing last night with gusts to about 25 (Dave, Sun Cat #103, Grand Haven, MI)

Out in winds gusting to around 20 last night. Pinned the rudder forward with a chopstick, and the helm was MUCH easier. Pulled the pin out and it became a test of strength again. Didn't realize that the rudder actually swings forward to get the pin in. I believe that makes it a balanced rudder, meaning that some of the blade is forward of the pivot line, so that the water pressure helps turn the rudder.

Much nicer. Thanks for the help. BTW, we were sitting on opposite sides and almost buried the rails a couple of times. The Sun Cat is pretty stable. Both on one side and it was easy.

Dave

Messages In This Thread

Went sailing last night with gusts to about 25 -- Dave, Sun Cat #103, Grand Haven, MI -- 7/16/08 6:10p.m.
Where was your centerboard? -- Tom Ray -- 7/16/08 6:23p.m.
Weather helm -- Dick Herman, Muddy Duck -- 7/16/08 7:08p.m.
Yep... reef! -- Jim B., wandering around -- 7/16/08 9:11p.m.
It's interesting that the rudder moving an inch -- Dave, Sun Cat #103, Grand Haven, MI -- 7/17/08 12:10p.m.
The pin will break -- Tom Ray -- 7/17/08 12:58p.m.
Rudder Shear Pin -- Barnacle Bob -- 7/17/08 1:34p.m.
I like the golf tees. Or chopsticks, maybe. -- Dave, Sun Cat #103, Grand Haven, MI -- 7/18/08 4:18a.m.
Dave, all responses are excellent. Add to them: -- Vicki Ruzicka -- 7/17/08 1:03p.m.
weather helm -- Roger -- 7/17/08 6:04a.m.
Trim etc -- Craig D, Suncat, "Cattitude", Finger Lakes -- 7/17/08 6:22a.m.
Torque -- Roger -- 7/17/08 7:32a.m.
Full sail in gusts to 25, that should build confidence! -- Carl, Horizon Cat/Picnic Cat, Central Texas -- 7/17/08 7:11a.m.
Good comments from everyone. I raced sloops -- Dave, Sun Cat #103, Grand Haven, MI -- 7/17/08 12:27p.m.
 It was the rudder that caused the weather helm.  -- Dave, Sun Cat #103, Grand Haven, MI -- 7/22/08 6:50a.m.
Dave, were you out on the Big Lake? I've only -- Vicki Ruzicka -- 7/23/08 9:33a.m.
Yup, on the big lake. Nice sail with west wind. -- Dave, Sun Cat #103, Grand Haven, MI -- 7/23/08 5:23p.m.
Interested in your modifications. Take some snapshots when you can. -- Vicki Ruzicka -- 7/23/08 7:08p.m.

 

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