boat steering not balanced on port \ starbord

My Boat (Getaway) tends to go upwind when sailing port side and downwind when sailing starbord side.
Can any one think of the reason for this?
Boaz.

Usually I would say that it has to do with the rudders not being tucked under into the castings correctly - but since it's always pulling the same direction it might be warped rudder blades. It's difficult to see but sometimes we have had rudder blades which were not perfect, you will need to check and work with a dealer for help but they may need to be replaced (if it isn't the first simple solution of tucking the rudder under more or less) Without knowing more and what vintage rudder system you have or a serial number diagnosing via the net isn't the easiest - but visit a dealer locally for help, I'm sure we can get it balanced either through adjustment or with new blades.

_________________
Jacques Bernier
http://www.hobie.com/
http://www.facebook.com/HobieCatCompany

Thank's for replying.
Would'nt you suspect also the mast position (shrouds not similar)?
the boat is 2008, serial ccmn3233k708 If it's any help.
boaz.

Most certainly asymmetrical rudder blades. If you sight from the tips along the sides and trailing edges, you will see the blades are more concave on one side. This will create uneven helm as described. Either replacements or fairing of the blades by filling and grinding, but replacement is the best answer.

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

My getaway had that same problem, I got two new rudders and one of them also had some issues. Belt sander and a straight edge fixed it up as good as can be.

_________________
06 getaway -- always remember, man with both feet in mouth have no leg to stand on.

One more Q:
Is there a left rudder and a right one?
Could it be that I have both right's or left's?

My 2011 getaway has the same problem as this poster had.....weather helm on one tack, neutral/lee helm on the other.

Both rudder blades are foiled on the port side, and they're both concave on the stbd. side of the blade.

The rest of the boat is identical - shroud lengths, rudder alignment, etc.

How can I be assured that new rudders ordered from the dealer are foiled correctly?

Also, if I consider on filling in the concave, what could I use that will stick to the plastic?

Instead of filling and fairing the concave, could I concave the foiled sides?

I was able to flatten the aft 2/3 of the foiled side of the rudder blades and eliminated the helm problem. In the meantime, Hobie sent me a new pair of rudders under warranty ( i paid shipping). I'm travelling on business now, but will check to see if the new blades are foiled thru the width, or flat on the trailing edge.

This also eliminated the tendency of the rudders popping up at speed.