M-38X TRACKING

[roaring40]

<div>Can anyone comment on the tracking ability of the M38x series
and their response to rudder inputs. I would like to purchase a
M38 for cruising and thus would install vane steering. I have
read that the there may be some tracking problems with the M38
and that the rudder may be too small - thus my concern.Any thoughts would be appreciated.Thank youPete
</div>

 

[bobclark]

My 382 TRACKS. We have don't have an auto-pilot. It might be nice but it is low on the wish list. Under sail she balances well, has about 1 spoke of weather helm in 15knts +. When the wind is under 10knts I can take all the helm out by easing the main, she will slow up a bit but track straight forever. Under power on a smooth sea I can lock the wheel and she will track within 4 degrees of my compass course for about 5 min., then I have to readjust. The hull was tank tested for tracking to weather. read the owners manual.
Larry

 

[balthazor]

I am no expert on all the boats out there. The Morgan sails in a good groove on the wind, but my experience is that she is a little squirrely on a broad reach, requiring more constant attention to helm than I am used to with a narrower boat. I suspect this could be improved if I dealt with sail balance and I have not tried all the combinations yet. Every boat has compromises; I think Brewer did a good job of choosing which compromises to accept--but if you are going to buy a boat primarily for off shore work, as opposed to coastal cruising and some offshore, there are others that compromise accomodations comfort and speed for down wind "tracking, " among other things. Of course, a friend of mine has a big wooden gaff cutter that tracks like a locomotive going down wind--and it also rolls so much that she looks like a metronome sailing down the bay.

 

[bobclark]

Terry,
I agree. Downwind with main & Genoa she does not groove in.
Larry

 

[dennis]

You may want to look at the artical on the Home page concerning 382's ruddersand 384's rudders and modifications that have been made to the 382's rudder. More information is also in the archive.