Weather Helm

[Pieter Wybro]

I recently bought a 40 which I am enjoying very much. On a couple of occaisions, I have experienced considerable weather helm when sailing close hauled in winds between 15-20 knots. The first time I experienced this was in 15 knot winds and I was close hauled and had the main sheet very tight and the sheet traveler was slightly to windward. The wind gusted to something less than 20, and then the boat went uncontrollably to weather ( I was doing about 7.7 knots). I now have powered down the main in these conditions by sheeting in less and positioning the traveler about 1 ft to leeward side. Under these conditions, I still get some weather helm during a gust but its not excessive if the helm is manually controlled, but gives the autopilit a fit. I suppose I could depower the main some more, but that would slow the boat more.

Has anyone experienced similar problems, and what do you do about it?

[Mike Brown]

Sure have. We have a 43 and have also sailed the 40 and 46. They all require a watchful eye on the traveler to control weather helm. Letting the main twist off a bit may also be necessary in heavier air. These boats like to be sailed flat. You may find that working the traveler and mainsheet may actually see you pick up speed in those conditions. Try different settings and see what you get. My bet is you'll be very pleased with the results.

[David]

Hi
I have a 40 and I think the recommendations are to reef the main at over 18 knots.
It is also important to keep the heel to a minimum as these boats sail best upright as Mike said, this is due to the wide stern . I rounded up on my first sail (I was use to a much narrower boat) but since then no problems, but I keep a hand close to the main sheet and traveller in gusty conditions to ensure they can be eased quickly to prevent undue heel.
Regards

David

[stephen grainger]

Hi Pieter
I also have a 40 and find her out of control if overpowered and heeling too much. I put in one reef at 20 knots or so, and 2 reefs over 28 knots roughly. It makes for some pretty hairy times when racing in gusty conditions inclose proximity to others. Beneteau told me that a folding prop will make a big difference as there will be clean flow over the rudder..I have the 3 blade fixed prop....I would be interested to hear what prop you have and if others with folding/feathering props round up excessively and without control. I also have the shallowdraft version and wonder if this has exacerbated the problem.
It really is the worst feature of the oceanis 40.
I compensate by sailing more conservatively which I guess is good for the boat and sails
stephen
stephen

[Pieter Wybro]

I have the 3-bladed fixed prop and the shallow draft keel as well. The folding prop can also improve sailing speed, but at the expense of motoring speed.
Pieter

[sam]

I have a 43, and it too can experience weather helm. Aggressive use of the traveller helps. I changed the sheaves in the traveller to ball bearing ones in place of the standard ones to reduce the effort required in heavier winds. It helped. Lewmar has them. They are not expensive and definitely worth the change.
SAM
B43, Hull #9