I have a new, used, M-15 and it seems to have more weather helm than I'm used to or that it needs. Sometimes it's ridiculous. I was thinking I needed a bigger rudder but I probably need to tune things a little better. Maybe I need to reef earlier too. Someone here recently suggested putting the 2nd reef in 20 mph wind. That's about where I've been putting in the first. Is there a procedure for tuning out some of this weather helm? Thanks! Steve M-15 63
The M15 acts a bit more like a dinghy in higher winds. It is driven mostly by the main, so yes, you are overpowered and are fighting weather helm. No need for a bigger rudder. That will just slow the boat. It is all about trim. Now, there are many more experienced sailors on this list who will give you more information. Mast rake, boom vang, and the shape of your sails (blown out) all can affect this. Reef early. Daniel M15 #208 Kestrel On 4/9/2012 12:04 PM, Steve Varley wrote:
I have a new, used, M-15 and it seems to have more weather helm than I'm used to or that it needs. Sometimes it's ridiculous. I was thinking I needed a bigger rudder but I probably need to tune things a little better. Maybe I need to reef earlier too. Someone here recently suggested putting the 2nd reef in 20 mph wind. That's about where I've been putting in the first. Is there a procedure for tuning out some of this weather helm?
Thanks! Steve M-15 63
I agree with Daniel. Reduce sail. A flatter sail in high winds is good as well. Lots of info on M15 mast rake in the archives by the way. t On Mon, Apr 9, 2012 at 12:09 PM, Daniel Rich <danielgrich@gmail.com> wrote:
The M15 acts a bit more like a dinghy in higher winds. It is driven mostly by the main, so yes, you are overpowered and are fighting weather helm. No need for a bigger rudder. That will just slow the boat. It is all about trim. Now, there are many more experienced sailors on this list who will give you more information. Mast rake, boom vang, and the shape of your sails (blown out) all can affect this. Reef early.
Daniel M15 #208 Kestrel
steve: as already stated you have to much sail up. yes, a LOT of fun, but you are working hard (ie, having to fight the tiller) and sailing slower. the M15 'can take it' as Jerry Montgomery designed a seaworthy boat ... but once you are healing more the 20ish degrees you are slowing the boat down. put in a reef the boat would be more manageable and sail faster. my rule-of-thumb was first reef about 12ish knots. second reef about 17ish knots. above 20ish knots go to a smaller headsail. i discuss my opinions on the M15 and how to sail her here - http://www.freewebs.com/m15-named-scred/aboutthem15.htm :: Dave Scobie :: former M15 owner - www.freewebs.com/m15-named-scred :: M17 #375 SWEET PEA - www.m17-375.webs.com :: Sage Marine - www.sagemarine.com --- On Mon, 4/9/12, Steve Varley <eutah10@gmail.com> wrote:
I have a new, used, M-15 and it seems to have more weather helm than I'm used to or that it needs. Sometimes it's ridiculous. I was thinking I needed a bigger rudder but I probably need to tune things a little better. Maybe I need to reef earlier too. Someone here recently suggested putting the 2nd reef in 20 mph wind. That's about where I've been putting in the first. Is there a procedure for tuning out some of this weather helm?
Thanks! Steve M-15 63
participants (4)
-
Daniel Rich -
Steve Varley -
Tom Smith -
W David Scobie