Too much mast rake? Or WTF was I doing wrong?

My wife and I took my 14 (non-turbo) out today in about 10-15 knots wind. I got it off the beach okay, but I could not keep it from turning straight into the wind. I could get her to back up out of the wind, then start moving forward only to turn right back into the wind. There was so much pressure on the helm that I bent my tiller extension rod in half fighting the boat to keep it from turning upwind.

I just replaced all my standing rigging with new stuff from Murray's, so I"m sure I need to do some tuning, but I have never had this much trouble on the water. Was this too much mast rake? Could I be doing something else wrong. It made for a pretty frustrating day (the wind was great but I can't feel my arms right now).

not sure how the rigging from Murrays is, but Hobie rigging works great. If this is the 1st time you have raked the mast aft you need to tuck the rudder up under the hulls a bit to get rid of the helm. Do a search about raking your mast back vs. having to rake your rudders as well. You can not do one without the other. Go talk to the guys at tackle shack, they should be able to help you out, as well as have all the things you need to get for your boat so there is no need to order from on online only store!

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Brad Stephens
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Maybe your rudders were not locked down? This would account for the nasty pull on the rudders. Also when launching with 2 aboard, ensure you are on a slight reach. This will help you get off the beach and to get those rudders down! Murray's has all my wire specs so you should be fine unless someone goofed. Next time you go out, can you take a pic with the main sheeted in so I can see if things are right? And another thing when your boat is on the trailer, put the rudders on and lock them down. Any play will add the heavy feeling! The 14 sure is fun to sail when things are right!

Bob

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Bob Curry
Master Unirig Sailor

Thanks for the input! I'll take some pics next time I go out.