I'm getting it.

On a 16 1/2 foot canoe I could put the sail 2 -5 feet from the bow and then
try to balance it by moving the leeboard fore or aft. I hope to sail with
camping gear or more likely, kids. What might be the effects of weight in
the canoe and sail placement?


"William R. Watt" wrote in message
...

when the sail is balanced you will not need to use the paddle except to
tack.
a rudder won't help. on a ballance rig the rudder is almost neutral, just
used to turn the boat. on an unbalanced boat using the rudder to
compensate just turns the rudder into a drag. sail balance is the key.

put the mast where it's most convenient in the boat and move the leeboard
back more in relation to the mast than what you have now. don't be
concerned about moving the leeboard back more than you'd think proper.
when you get excessive lee helm it's time to move it forward. I'd start
with the leeboard under the back edge of the sail. I found moving the
centre of lateral resistance six inches on the Dogskiff made a difference.
anything less wasn't noticeable.

there is an area for the leeboard relative to the mast where your canoe
sailing rig is be in balance. the canoe is only 18 ft long. you will find
it eventually.
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