Mast Rake

[DanBerger]

I know this has been discussed before, but I'm still curious. I seem to recall the magic number was 5-6 degrees. I have a self tacking jib on my 15 and my rake is at about 11 degrees. The boat is fast and I really like the way it handles. I don't know how I got there, but it just works.

I measured the angle of the deck, then subtracted the angle of the mast to get around 11. Is this way too much??

[Matt Haberman]

Dan,

5 degrees is the number, but there is nothing magic about it. You need to find a number that works with you sails,etc.
That being said, 11 degrees seems like a lot. Do you have weather helm?

[DanBerger]

I think I may adjust he rig a little bit, but it really does work for me. I was faster than most Hobie 16s last year!

I don't have weather helm--never had it. The boat has always sailed very well. I do notice that when trapping upwind, I am very far forward.

[Eric2101]

Hello all,

I have been under the impression that we should rake back as the wind grows.... and adjust rudder rake accordingly. Maybe the 11 degree rake suits your average wind condition. I see that the H-16's rake a lot in heavy weather and are able to correct out over fastr more powerful boats. Maybe we should pay more attention to the rake when setting up. (?)

Eric