SAILWRITER
Member
I took the Sunfish out for a couple hours at Gulfport Yacht Club today. Great breeze from the south. Some holes in the wind, but gusting to near 30. Average around 18.
I love this stuff and do well in it.
But, on a reach in the big puffs, while really going fast, the rudder 'breaks loose," cavitates.
I tried the usual quick stab to leeward with the tiller to reattach flow.
I checked for weeds.
I let the main out some more, but that only slowed me down, of course.
On a normal fast plane, no problem.
At "hyperspeed", problem.
New out of the box rudder. Lower boom set at 24", as far as I usually put it in a blow. Boom held down with the main halyard.
Hiking out. I suppose flattening the boat would get rid of some weather helm. But I'd need a trapeze in those conditions!
Any other suggestions?
I hate to round the leading edge of the rudder more, as it is brand new.
Anybody out there solve this?
Or is it just a fact of Sunfish life.
Dave Ellis
79301
I love this stuff and do well in it.
But, on a reach in the big puffs, while really going fast, the rudder 'breaks loose," cavitates.
I tried the usual quick stab to leeward with the tiller to reattach flow.
I checked for weeds.
I let the main out some more, but that only slowed me down, of course.
On a normal fast plane, no problem.
At "hyperspeed", problem.
New out of the box rudder. Lower boom set at 24", as far as I usually put it in a blow. Boom held down with the main halyard.
Hiking out. I suppose flattening the boat would get rid of some weather helm. But I'd need a trapeze in those conditions!
Any other suggestions?
I hate to round the leading edge of the rudder more, as it is brand new.
Anybody out there solve this?
Or is it just a fact of Sunfish life.
Dave Ellis
79301