robxl43

Member

Registered: 14 Jan 2019

Posts: 4

Skerry -loss of helm with Push - Pull tiller.

I hope that I am not the only one suffering from this problem. I am unable to tack to port with the tide against me. The tiller collapses, tucking its self under the stern stem and I have no ability to steer even after returning the tiller to the neutral position and starting again.
I may be lucky and have enough speed to carry me but this is no guarantee.

More often than not, the bow swings with the tide and I end up gybing, do'able and certainly not cool.

I have been carried up river several times, quite embarrassing. Starboard stacks are not so much of an issue unless the wind is very strong. Like a lot of folks across the globe I am not used to a rudder and stock that tilts rather than pivots.

I have no crew so no additional wieght in the boat, do I need to add balast e.g. sand bags. She is very light in the bow and I sit as far forward as possible.

I have added my own side seats to help with this although I spend most of the time kneeling or standing, often leaning to the leeward side to keep the sail pointing upwards into light winds.

It has been commented that my lug rig may not be properly balanced but I have followed the instructions that came with the kit. Down-haull set on the boom @28" and the halyard attcahment to the Yard @42.5". There still seems to be a lot more sail overlapping the mast than many Lug Rig photos I have seen suggest. 

As far as I could ascertain throughout the 6 month build the boat is "plumb and true" I cannot see any obvious misalignmet. Can anyone help me?

I should mention that I am from Kent in the UK and sail on the river Medway.

Most cruising is done to the east, Downstream. Wind can be pretty swirly and change in a heart beat within two cables either side of my Club Slipway.

I have been discussing this problem with Paul and Phil at FBK but due to distance they cannot really help. They have done their best.

Last edited by robxl43 (10 Jun 2019 6:02 pm)

robxl43

Member

Registered: 14 Jan 2019

Posts: 4

Re: Skerry -loss of helm with Push - Pull tiller.

This problem should be resolved.

I wrote John C Harris who sent me the latest or what should be the current sail plan for the Skerry Lug.

The Downhaul attachment point is now 12 3/8” from the fore end of the boom and not 42 1/2”.
Quite a difference no doubt you will have noticed! (No shit Sherlock).

Why this sail plan is not in the current .pdf or paper build manual is bewildering.

The position has “evolved” over the last 17 years according to John to overcome Lee Helm.

Lee Helm is/was my problem, my COE was not properly aligned to the lateral line of resistance.

I love my Skerry again.

Rob

Member

From: England

Registered: 29 Jun 2021

Posts: 65

Re: Skerry -loss of helm with Push - Pull tiller.

Hi,

I'm a new skerry builder and saw this post. I'm at the early stages of my build, but reading this thread and looking ahead thought I'd look at my plans, the booklet of which is 'Version 4.1 3/2017'. On page 133, the lug sail plan shows halyard attachment 42 1/8" and downhaul attachment 12 3/8". Would you say that is the most up-to-date and best set up for the lug?

I'm in Oxfordshire UK, but am originally from Kent myself!
Thanks
Rob

Ian

Employee

Registered: 24 Nov 2014

Posts: 100

Re: Skerry -loss of helm with Push - Pull tiller.

Hi Rob,

The manual you have is the latest version (we checked with CLC just a few weeks ago).  The downhaul attachment used to be 28", but should now be 12-3/8" from the luff.

Rob

Member

From: England

Registered: 29 Jun 2021

Posts: 65

Re: Skerry -loss of helm with Push - Pull tiller.

Thank you Ian, that's great.