T&T: Atlantic 30 LRC Steering Problems

[John Baker]

Al,
   
       I am a former Prairie 29 owner(which was later bought by Atlantic and called the Atlantic 30 LRC).  What everyone said is true.  That boat has a lot of beam and a very square stern providing a lot of flotation back there.  To compound this, the rudder on these boats is tiny(mine was 11"x17").  That is a very small rudder for the amount of force you are trying to counter in a following sea.  On thing I did notice was that the lower helm steered better in these conditions that the upper helm....it either had a better pump or the hydraulic run was shorter providing better response(I think the latter to be true).  I had always fantasized about adding extra rudder surface for better maneuverability.  Anyway, I think you're stuck with it.  This trait is endemic to this style of boat.
   
  Trawler on,
  John

       
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