Hi all--I've been learning on the forum for a month or so now and will start by saying thank you to all who post responses and share their experience and wisdom. It's been a great resource for a relative beginner--been around boats for most of my life, but first time I've owned a sailboat. For context, the boat in question is a 74 E27 with the original Atomic 4 which is running fairly well.
I have a lot of work ahead, but one very pressing issue is that when motoring the boat wants to go to port with determination. You can feel the tension in the tiller and if you fail to correct for it, the bow will begin to swing immediately. I can't compare this with performance under sail, as I just bought the boat and only sailed briefly before purchasing. Today it resulted in a splintered tiller--likely the wood was compromised, but I think with all the pressure it was likely to give way at some point.
I'm guessing the cause may be in a bent rudder or rudder shaft, if such a thing exists. I don't think it could be prop wash, as it feels far too forceful.
So, while I look for a replacement tiller, I thought I'd ask the forum for any ideas about this issue. Thanks, Drew.
I have a lot of work ahead, but one very pressing issue is that when motoring the boat wants to go to port with determination. You can feel the tension in the tiller and if you fail to correct for it, the bow will begin to swing immediately. I can't compare this with performance under sail, as I just bought the boat and only sailed briefly before purchasing. Today it resulted in a splintered tiller--likely the wood was compromised, but I think with all the pressure it was likely to give way at some point.
I'm guessing the cause may be in a bent rudder or rudder shaft, if such a thing exists. I don't think it could be prop wash, as it feels far too forceful.
So, while I look for a replacement tiller, I thought I'd ask the forum for any ideas about this issue. Thanks, Drew.