Rudder angle

[fossil]

Good evening all,
Whilst out in the Otter I noticed that the rudder does not stay in a vertical stance when on the move , is this correct or do I need stronger elastic to pull it down .
I know wood is its own buoyancy .

Regards
Ade

[albacore43]

Fossil, get some stronger knicker support!!

[fossil]

So your saying it should be quite vertical when under way , so that would also help with side stability like the centre board ?

Ade

[albacore43]

Yes, as vertical as it was designed to be; the stock will determine that.
It is designed to give directional stability as opposed to the lateral stability generated by the centreboard which you will find is directly under the centre of effort acting on the sails.
Whilst on the subject of rudder function, do yourself a big favour and familiarise yourself with the concepts of "lee helm" and "weather helm". Apart from making sailing more enjoyable, getting this right can be an important safety factor (and can avoid embarassment!). Must be good examples on Google.

[fossil]

I like this site .
good info for the novice sailor.
went out this last Thursday , after a bit of a scary fire incident at the boat club we went out , it was a bit choppy , alas I was only in control of the for sale .
Maybe next time I will sail MY Otter


Ade


Ps , Craig can sail