[PUP] Emergency tiller

[Scott E. Bulger]

There are few people who's opinion I value more than Peter, so if he says a
N40 is no better or worse than other boats I must adjust my perspective.
For the benefit of others I'll describe my frame of reference and current
experience so my opinion can be measured:

a.  Previous to my N40 I operated only a half dozen or so boats.  This
included a 17' catamaran sailboat, two 17' outboard powered runabout fishing
boats, a 31 foot Camano (fast trawler) a charter 36 Grand Banks and various
other craft.  All these boats would hold a reasonable course for say 100
yards without helm input.  I could set the helm in a direction and they boat
would either track straight or require very little if any input to keep them
true for the 100 or so yards.  When input was needed it was very slight,
more like a nudge.
b.  On the N40 if I get it heading straight and true the most I can expect
is 15 or 20 seconds of time to elapse before I need to provide helm input to
return it to a straight path.  In other words, after 15 or 20 seconds, if
input is not provided the boat will fall off in one direction or another.
Once its fallen to port or starboard it will hold that set until helm is
provided to return it to a straight path, and the process repeats.

It sound like this may be perfectly normal and in fact when Capt. Mike was
on the boat he said I was over controlling it, so I've made a significant
effort to modify my behavior and try to get better at hand steering.  When I
asked the owner of a Krogen 44 if his boat showed the same tendencies he
told me he could establish a course and not touch the helm for 4 or 5
minutes.  I believe him, as we often discuss the warts on our boats.

So, I don't know if it's my boat, or my lack of experience, but I just feel
that the hull is less stable than other boats with a kinder, more stable
shape.

Sincerely,

Scott Bulger, Alanui, N40II, Seattle WA