[Rhodes22-list] Boat behavior very different starboard tack vs port

[The Rhodes 22 Email List]

After much work cleaning up after boat flooded after launch (flooded
overnight - about 12 CB bolts too loose)  I got out for a couple of sails.
On first, light air and pleased at how well boat moved, devil of  a time
with tacks - furling drum backwards so couldn't furl 175 a bit for tacking.

Second time, much more wind - at least 12 knots with higher gusts - so
furled genoa a lot. Furling unsatisfactory - really fat. But that aside, a
huge difference on stbd vs port. Stbd it sailed beautifully - actually
sailed itself for minutes with both sails cleated and nothing holding tiller
(very close reach, sheets outside stays).  But port! Different boat -
serious lee helm and rudder angle much greater - very annoying. Curious
thing is boat seemed to go about as fast.

Note: I added about an inch and a half to connection between furler drum and
bow stem fitting (vs just connecting drum directly to bow stem fitting). 
Enough back stay tension to cause very slight mast curve back.

My theory is that the fat, rolled up part caused this behavior. On stbd, the
out side of jib would have smooth flow and inside quite turbulent. On port,
the opposite. I know the back side of a sail is where you get most power.

Does this make sense?

At any rate, two things are already clear: 1) I want a 130 and 2) I want a
tiller pilot or at least a tiller tamer. The boat came with a big nylon
Doyle UPS that should take care of light airs 

Worst part about flooding is I missed out on some very nice weather - now
it's low 50's at best for over a week.

Brooks on the Choptank - Chesapeake Bay.



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