'81 H16 - Rudder Rake Re-adjustment?

Hello all, and thanks to ALL for an excellent forum. I've learned so much.

Hopefully this is just a quick question/clarification.

I just re-drilled the rudders on my '81 H16 to rake them under the boat. The spec I followed is the one that comes with the paper template (which I did not end up using, choosing instead to just re-drill the top hole) was for a 1-5/8" to 1-3/4" adjustment forward. I chose the 1-5/8" to be on the conservative side and to reduce the chances of over raking and bringing on the dreaded and dangerous lee helm.

For all intents and purposes the mod went well and both rudders transferred back onto the boat with consistent 1-5/8" adjustments forward. I have NOT tested performance yet on the water.

Tonight I just read about another successful rake job using 1-3/8" (that produced a very slight weather helm and round up into the wind when the tiller was released) when it dawned on me that I never bothered to search for this specific dimension on this forum, or general opinions about which is generally better to use or start with. I thought I had the right spec as I followed the instructions on the template which was consistently referenced.

So, I'm looking for input as to whether or not the 1-5/8" adjustment forward may be too much or not (all other things being equal which I know they're not!). What do you folks think?

Thanks in advance!

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'81 H16

If it ain't a blowin', I ain't a goin'

I think you are over thinking it. Put the boat in the water and see what you got.

Exactly. I don't even know what you're referencing your 1-3/8" or 1-5/8" dimension from, but it really doesn't matter anyway. There are too many variables to predict performance based on 1/8" one way or the other. Put the boat in the water and sail it, re-drill if necessary and remember that mast rake has a significant effect on helm too.

sm

Hey thanks guys - loud and clear! I heard from a couple of cat sailors last year that a small adjustment in rudder rake can make a lot of difference in performance which led me to over-thinking it. Seemed like one of those things you needed to be careful about.

I'll put her in the water and post the results.

Thanks again!

PS The 1-5/8" to 1-3/4" spec comes from the instructions off the paper template I mentioned. With nothing else to go by I just used that.

_________________
'81 H16

If it ain't a blowin', I ain't a goin'