Ou est ce?

[chrisedwards]

My Twister cannot usually be steered astern and she has a steeply-raked transom. I have often wondered whether this is the cause or whether the small rudder area is more to blame.

I suppose that when going astern the rudder would tend to lift the stern if it is put over but I can't see why this would affect the steering.

my Freedom 30 - cat ketch - has a vertical rudder post, deep forefoot and long keel. She cannot be steered in astern.

 

[fisherman]

I think the problem may be that the deeper part of the rudder is a long way for'd, and is also the deepest part of the keel: it's pretty much trying to push the boat sideways. I've worked on a crabbing boat of this style, but with the rudder much more vertical and aft: the idea is that the boat can be turned easily about the centre point, due to the shallow forefoot, while hauling gear.

 

[rich]

I've looked at that Blog site Roberto, but that rig interests me, not 100% sure how it works.

I think you will find that it is the bowsprit,

 

[Downsman]

I think you will find that it is the bowsprit,

Ah! Didn't even dawn on me! I saw the hooked traveller hanging down the "mast" and assumed it was for hauling something up and not a bowsprit traveller ( apologies to the Old Gaffers if the terminoligy is wrong.. ) I've seen bowsprits 'topped up' before but that really fooled me..
Thanks Rich, that's something else I've learned..