Steering

[NDG]

My boat (contessa 32) has suddenly developed a pronounced pull to starboard, when under power. With the tiller on the centreline she pulls to starboard; if you let go of the tiller she travels more or less in a straight line, but the tiller points to starboard by about 20 degrees (ie rudder points to port).

This seems to have come about recently. She needs a scrub down, and is coming out of the water this week, and the only thing I can think of that might be causing it is an build up of crap on the hull and rudder. Is this likely to be the cause? Any other likely reasons? Any thoughts would be welcome.

 

[WayneS]

If you are not on a swinging mooring then you will get a bigger build up of crud on one side compared to the other cos there may be more sunlight on one side than the other...

Have you checked to see if you tiller is still aligned with your rudder?