rgano
Guru
- Joined
- Oct 8, 2007
- Messages
- 4,995
- Location
- USA
- Vessel Name
- FROLIC
- Vessel Make
- Mainship 30 Pilot II since 2015. GB-42 1986-2015. Former Unlimited Tonnage Master
This question was asked on the Yahoo Mainships Group, but that site is falling into disuse, and I am choosing to post my comments on this question here, having made notice of the fact there.
I think that the 30 Pilot II I have must be carefully handled in a following sea, and if the sea is significantly high, you have no business out in it, especially running down sea. The first thing to do IMHO is to raise the trim tabs to raise the bow up and come to a speed which matches the wave speed if possible. If the waves do overtake the boat, the raised bow will help to limit bow steer as the steer rises up. This is not to say a rudder with more authority given to it by an extension might no lessen the helm turns needed, but it might also result in an oversteer and a broach.
Slowing to hull speed and trailing about a hundred feet of mooring line or rode from either quarter cleat be the best option when the seas begin to overpower the available authority of the steering system.
I think that the 30 Pilot II I have must be carefully handled in a following sea, and if the sea is significantly high, you have no business out in it, especially running down sea. The first thing to do IMHO is to raise the trim tabs to raise the bow up and come to a speed which matches the wave speed if possible. If the waves do overtake the boat, the raised bow will help to limit bow steer as the steer rises up. This is not to say a rudder with more authority given to it by an extension might no lessen the helm turns needed, but it might also result in an oversteer and a broach.
Slowing to hull speed and trailing about a hundred feet of mooring line or rode from either quarter cleat be the best option when the seas begin to overpower the available authority of the steering system.