Sailing my H16 this weekend after a few weeks break I found that the helm was heavy. I had to keep pulling on the tiller extension. If I released the tiller the boat immediately luffed up to wind. It used to be I could release the tiller for a few seconds to haul in the sheet with both hands and the boat would keep running like it was on rails. I assume this is a rudder alignment problem. Any tips on the first steps I should take to resolve the problem?
I had this problem too. The solution is to rake the rudder tips forward until you have only a very slight pull into the wind (weather helm). My boat happens to have a set of rudder rake adjusters on the upper castings that allowed me to do this. Basically there is a bolt on the upper casting that I loosened and slid forward. Presto.
As I understand it, If you don't have the rudder rake adjusters like I do, you can either purchase a similar set from your local hobie dealer or redrill your rudders. Maybe someone else here has done that or can point you to an article on redrilling.
Cheers!
Josh Lea
Point Harbor NC
Thanks! I had a hunch this might be a rudder raking problem because the pull seemed to be the same on either tack. My rudders have rake adjusters so I will see if I can get my boat back on the straight and narrow.
Chris Eve
Zushi, Japan
I have had to play around with my rudder rake due to Trapseat sailing and standard H16 racing, seems there is weight issue when using the Trapseats. Still be careful how far you rake your rudders, as there is a point where they will vibrate excessively. I always suggest one get the H16 performance manual sold through Murrays catalog as it is a great help for all H16 tuning issues.