Leopard 40 unbalanced sail plan

[iancwebb]

I have a leopard 40 2016. Square top main and standard 120 head sail. It seems that in all but very light winds I need to put in a reef or the boat suffers a terrible weather helm. He any Bobby had similar problems?

[belizesailor]

Havent sailed a 2106, but have sailed a lot of Leopards. Never encountered a weather helm problem. Under what circumstances (point of sail, sail trim, wind speed...) does this happen?

[danielamartindm]

A real puzzler. I've sailed the 39 and 46, but never heard of this before. What could be causing your main to overpower that big genoa? Does this happen on all points of sail? I would check the tensions on the standing rigging, and especially the forestay. If slack, might it be allowing the mast (and both sails) to rake aft, say on close reaches or beats? Perhaps a consultion with a rigger might help. You have a great boat. Good luck.

[belizesailor]

Could it be as simple as your main is over sheeted and/or traveler off center? "When in doubt, let it out".

Or...are you sure it is actually weather helm and not something else like a steering system issue?

[Gmcgyvr]

Check your rudder alignment - they should be roughly parallel

[Moontide]

Can pretty much always correct weather helm buy adjusting main trim. Depending on conditions usually means easing sheet to put more twist in the sail. Sometimes pulling traveller to weather then easing sheet is most effective (when closehauled).

Also make sure you have enough outhaul tension. Loose outhaul will cause a tighter leech and increase weather helm.

Bill

[MikeFergie]

Ask on the Leopard forum on yahoo . Lots of leopard owners there