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Different Tacks

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sanibelle
Deckhand

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USA
22 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/10/2005 : 20:38:22

I was out today in winds of about 12 knots. I noticed a difference in the way Sanibelle sailed on starboard and port tacks - both beam reaches. I was sailing without the main up. I've noticed this before. Can anyone tell me what factors come into play that might account for these differences? Thanks guys.

Joe Russo, Sanibelle,1980 FK/TR

Edited by - on

pjeffarch
Navigator

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USA
135 Posts

Response Posted - 07/10/2005 : 21:06:34

Hi Joe;
What are the differences? Are your jib sheets pulled in the same length? Is weight in the boat distributed more to one side than the other? Do you have an outboard on one side? What size jib/genoa are you using?
These and other things could make a difference, but if you could describe in more detail, we may have better ideas.

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 07/10/2005 : 21:56:40

Quick and silly question... are the jib leads in the same position on both sides of the boat?

Otherwise, it's often a symptom of an out of tune rig...

1) Different tensions on the port and starboard mast stays will make the mast respond differently on the port and stbd tacks.

"Twang" the side stays... see if they feel the same on both sides. If there are gross differences, you've probably found your problem right there.

If you can find somebody with the appropriate Loos gauge, you can get a 'proper' tension measurement, otherwise you'll have to adjust them by feel. Note must do this adjustment while keeping the rig plumb (see #2 below).

How much tension? Hmm... I just do them to 'feel right', rather unscientific. I try to keep the forward lowers slightly tighter thean aft lowers (slightly loose). (This allows you to adjust the mast bend for different wind conditions and points of sail by twiddling the adjustable backstay)

As a check, when sailing, I observe the upper side stays when on a beam reach. I try to set my tension so the leeward stay just goes slack-'ish' in 10 kts or so. I'll tack back and forth while looking and adjusting for symmetrical response.

2) Side stays may be tensioned evenly/properly but the mast is not set up completely plumb (athwartships) to the CL of the boat.

Here's a few quick and commonly used checks.

1) Get back from the boat aways and look at it bow or stern on. If there's a gross problem, your eye will spot it right away. The human eye is very sensitive to plumb... from a distance.

2) Using the mainsail halyard shackle end (might need to tie a short line to same), swing it aft and adjust the halyard so when pulled tight the end just touches the center of the stbd primary winch.

Now take it over to the portside winch... does it touch in exactly the same place with about the same tension? If not, adjust the mast until it is symmetrical to both sides.

Hooking the main halyard to the gooseneck and tightening it gives a straight line and will show how much fore/aft mast bend (if any) you have. You can also use this to help look for side to side bend.

3) Other 'assymetrical' rig tuning issues.

Lay on the foredeck with your head at the foot of the mast. (er, yes, looking upward) This is a very instructive position and can reveal all sorts of side bends and twists that don't show from any other view. The mast should be nice and straight from side to side all the way up. Side bends are not desirable.

You may have to twiddle through all of the above a couple times until you are square, plumb, have even tension side to side, and no unwanted mast bends.

I've often wondered why folks don't put one or more vertical stripes on their masts... would make mast tweaking easier.

Edited by - ClamBeach on 07/10/2005 22:01:52

ilnadi
Captain

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452 Posts

Response Posted - 07/11/2005 : 09:33:09

Do you switch hands on the tiller?
Maybe one hand steers better...

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5902 Posts

Response Posted - 07/11/2005 : 10:24:06

Check to see if the outboard motor is dragging in the water on one tack but not the other. There should be a way to tilt most outboards so that they don't drag on either tack.

Edited by - on

Scooter
Navigator

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USA
228 Posts

Response Posted - 07/12/2005 : 12:49:44

ClamBeach probably has your issue.

There was an article in Sail Mag (or Practicle Sailor..can't remember) lately that covered "tuning" the standing rigging. I think it was a good one and mentioned the exact problem you listed. Look for an "S" shape to your mast. Both looking for/aft as well as the side. It explained how to set them at rest then take her out on an above aaverage day and get on both tacks. You don't want the leeward shrouds to "flop" around. They said to set the leeward shrouds if loose and count the turns used to tighten. Then move to other tack and turn the same nubmer of times.

I'm no expert but if your not racing then I would think it should get you pretty close.

Good luck. Maybe search this forum. That's always a good thing to do.

Edited by - on

sanibelle
Deckhand

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USA
22 Posts

Response Posted - 07/12/2005 : 15:39:04

Thank you all.

My outboard is mounted on the port side and was in the water. The water tank (full) and two batteries are under the starboard settee. I believe the head sail trim was the same on both tacks with the sail unfurled back to the mast. The cars were set about three or four stops forward of the winches,

I will check out the shrouds and the mast shape. Thanks again for the tips.

Joe Russo, Sanibelle, 1980 TR/FK

Edited by - on

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