How Come?

[Mark Johnson]

Perhaps you can answer a question..We were out test sailing our 460, and noticed 2 things. 10 knots of breeze, same sail trim, but starboard tack was 2 knots slower than port tack. Also in 10 to 12 knots of breeze the rudder is turned 15 to 20 degrees off center to keep the boat straight. It shouldn't be overpowered in 10 knots of wind should it??MPJ

[Jim Bohart]

first you might need to check the offset of the through hull speed differences can be seen because of a slight twist in position fore and aft. second something sounds screwy with where you read center. We haven't found any problems with the steering system of this model. it tracked really true when I steered it and maybe the location of "center is wrong" check it out. the boat has very little weather helm.JB

[Mark Johnson]

The rudder angle indicator is dead on center when steering the boat under power and the boat goes straight, but under sail it is 15 to 20 degrees off center on port and starboard tacks. There is also tremendous turbulence as a result of rudder being off center that far. Perhaps a Rig tuning problem? I will be going back to Sailing Specialties for the rendezvous later this month, and will have them check it out.As far as the boat speed issue..Don't think it's the misalignment of the through hull. It's pretty easy to tell the difference if you are doing 4 knots or 6knots through the water.MPJ