Privateer steering

[thaxter]

Hi,
I have recently bought a twenty foot trailer sailor called a Privateer . She is burmudan cutter rigged and is a nice little boat of which I am quite pleased. I am however experiencing extremely heavy steering and wonder if the rudder blade is the correct shape and size. The rudder is like an overgrown lifting dinghy rudder with the blade around seven inches longer than the rear skeg. I would appreciate any help/information/advice on the subject. Also would be grateful for any information/ tips / photo's about the privateer. Unfortunatly PBO never ran a test on the boat so no report is available

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[nordic_ranger]

A number of years ago I used to sail my mates Privateer and from memory had the same problem. The solution was not to fully drop the keel this made a tremendous difference on the helm. Suggest you try different keel settings and find out which one works for you. If my memory serves me correctly fully down then lifted six inches was the best setting.

Jim.

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[NigelAmes]

Like you I own a Privateer, and although mine is Gaff rigged I have suffered the same problem. In addition to raising the plate I found that putting more outhaul on the mainsail also helped.

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[JOHNOO]

I bet you have a 3 bladed prop! If you have get rid of it. It has massive drag which will cause weather helm. Much better with a folding or even a 2 blader.

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[thaxter]

Jim, Nigel, Johnoo,
Many thanks for the tips, I'll put them into practice next season

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