Lee or weather helm?

[geoffr]

Hi all:

I've been reading a bit about various boat characteristics, and wondered what the consensus is re the Investigator: does it have natural lee or weather helm when reaching through to close-hauled?

Most experts suggest a slight weather helm is ideal, so if you've had to make any adjustments to achieve this, then I'd be keen to hear of these please.

Many thanks,

[Yara50]

The Investigator 563 is generally a well balanced boat. If you find she is out of balance, you need to look at the sail settings. Generally trailer sailers tend to weather helm in a gust as a safety issue. The larger the headsail the more chance of lee helm. The larger the main, or the more you pull in the mainsheet, the more chance of weather helm. You can also let out the traveller in stronger winds to reduce weather helm. Then you also have the position of the centreboard. Pull it back a little and you will reduce weather helm. Play around with all of these and you should be able to have perfect balance. Perfect balance is the most efficient way to go.

[Dr. Peter]

Play with the sail trim - just a bit of weather helm otherwise the brakes are on.
Peter