I have an E27 with roller furling and an outboard motor. When in a strong breeze, the bow falls off from the wind--fast! ( MOTORING WITH SAILS DOWN)The stronger the breeze, the more it tends to fall off. There is a a very good site at http://www.hamble.co.uk/files/ST172_98-104 (2).pdf that talks about the balance, pivot point, prop walk...... in handling the boat. Here is my issue; due to the fact that I have an outboard, there is no flow of water over the rudder until the boat is under way. ( an inboard pushes some water past the rudder prior to movement through the water giving some steerage) The amount of speed through the water to have control (minimum operating speed) increases as the breeze increases. At 15 to 20 mph winds, it seems to need 1.5 to 2 knots of hull speed to gain control, while heading up wind. It makes it nearly impossible to leave a dock heading into the wind in tight quarters-- or to enter the slip at a reasonable speed.
Some of this was discussed trying to just anchor on this site at the thread "Boat swings wildly at anchor in breeze" with the solution being to use an anchor riding sail.
Now to my question; Has anyone used something similar to an anchor riding sail to balance out the boats tendency to fall off? My idea is to put up a sail at the stern like an anchor riding sail---sized to just balance the boat. I realize that it may cause more lee movement--- but at least I might have control at slower speeds.
Thought I would see if anyone has tried this prior to going to the expense/trouble. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.
Phil
Some of this was discussed trying to just anchor on this site at the thread "Boat swings wildly at anchor in breeze" with the solution being to use an anchor riding sail.
Now to my question; Has anyone used something similar to an anchor riding sail to balance out the boats tendency to fall off? My idea is to put up a sail at the stern like an anchor riding sail---sized to just balance the boat. I realize that it may cause more lee movement--- but at least I might have control at slower speeds.
Thought I would see if anyone has tried this prior to going to the expense/trouble. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.
Phil
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