Moment to trim the boat is certainly calculable (but again a lot of work) but the effect on the helm is much less quantifiable. Generally, it's thought best to keep weight central and low (keeping the transom from dragging). Adjusting helm is better accomplished with mast rake, imho. Since the 17 has a large and efficient rudder, it benefits the boat to have significant helm when sailing to weather (i.e., have the rudder carry it's fair share of the load). The effect was very noticeable when Busca (very slight weather helm) consistently lagged Miss T (significant helm w/ adjustable backstay) during a day of beating in and out of creeks off the Little Choptank. Of note was that Miss T was flying a small main and a Bimini: http://www.bright.net/~htmills/slicing.jpg Tod -----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of MC Carpenter Sent: Wednesday, December 03, 2003 8:26 PM To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats Subject: M_Boats: pre calcs on helm control when you move weight fore and aft to give better helm is this a weight that can be calculated or is it trail and error, example: moving 50 lbs from storage in center to bow pulpit, like an anchor. Mike _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats