H16 Rudder Rake

I'm new to the H16 and am setting up for the season. I've researched the rudder rake topic and Hobie's official rudder tuning page. Seems the "optimal" amount of rake is 1-5/8” to 1-3/4”. I measured mine and it's a bit shy of "optimal" (1-3/16").

Question for the H16 "Brain Trust" is how critical is it to be in the "optimal"? I read a Kim Miller's article that discussed the issue of weather helm in extensive detail and my takeaway is that more rudder rake really only reduces the amount of "tiller tug" since the "weather helm" force is primarily (if not solely) influenced by the amount of mast rake.

So, before I endeavor on the redrilling adventure, is this something worth the effort? Currently, the boat sails like a dream with easily manageable tiller tug (I'll admit my H14T had WAY too much "tiller tug" so I'm pretty tolerant).

Thanks in advance for any advice!
Daniel

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H16 2002 "Islands" Sail No. 107432

You would have to sail the boat to see how your rake affects the helm feel. If it pulls hard enough that it would round up sharply if you drop the tiller... adjust rake to compensate. It is best when it is a light pull on all points of sail. It will be the most going to weather and less as you bear away. When running down wind it is lightest. You do not want to adjust so far under that this becomes neutral to lee helm. That can be dangerous.

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Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Thanks Matt.

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H16 2002 "Islands" Sail No. 107432

You want to be able to steer it with two fingers in a 20 knot wind. I always used a tight 1-1/2".