Evan Gatehouse wrote:
"K. Smith" wrote in message
...

On the separate rudder steering subject may I mention??? I'm sure
you're already well aware of this, but it's very important if you want
the best performance from a wide cat; when setting up the system make
sure the relationship(s) between the two rudders comply with (or as much
as possible) the ackerman principles. (lines extended through the pivot
points, pintles & tiller end, need to intersect at the boat's centreline
at it's point of rotation, usually around 1/3 the WL length)


I really agree with this. Our new 40' cat has this setup (when the rudders
are pointed straight ahead, the individual tillers are pointed inward).
Tacks very easily compared to other cruising cats I've sailed. The
daggerboards probably help too but the rudders seem to make the difference.


--
Evan Gatehouse

you'll have to rewrite my email address to get to me
ceilydh AT 3web dot net
(fools the spammers)



Yes Evan; when set straight ahead, if you were to extend notional
straight lines from the pintles through the tiller hinge points, you'd
(hopefully:-)) find they intersect in the centre of the boat at the
point of rotation, with daggerboards it'd be the centre of those.

Thanks.

K