Steering/Handling

bdenny · Steering/Handling

I have a 1985 E 40 that has a terrible pull to the starboard while motoring. I have a 17 X 17 RH three blade fixed prop. I have read most of the old discussion regarding this subject and at my last haul out, I had the aft end of the keel glassed and faired to make it even from top to bottom with no change in handling. Looking for suggestions for possible causes and possible corrections.

Chuck Graham

Hi ,I have the same problem with my relatively recently purchased 1983 E-40 Ketch. I got this post (see copied below) from the Endevour Sailboat Owners forum (run by Paul Uhl). This winter I'm going to try the trim tab idea (if it doesn't work...I'll just have some holes to fill on the rudder blade. If it works, I may take the next step after checking it out under a variety of conditions)

Date: June 27, 1999
From: Van Stoffer abnjp@erienet.net

Paul Uhl,
Thanks for the welcome to the Endeavour Forum. The first problem encountered with the Endeavour 40 was the severe pull to starboard on the rudder. The quick fix was a 4" x 14" exposed area stainless steel trim tab bolted to the aft edge of the rudder and bent 30 to 40 degrees off the plane of the rudder. After one tweek on the angle, the rudder was balanced and the wheel could be released and would stay centered. On the next haulout a study of the rudder (eyeball) showed that it was not molded equally on both sides causing more 'lift' on the starboard side. Starting at the top of the rudder with a disc grinder, I ground fore and aft on the large bulge of the starboard side - careful not to gouge in anywhere. The rudder is molded with foam and is easy to grind down. Grinding continued until both sides of the rudder looked equal. I also feathered down the aft edge of both sides of the rudder from about 1/2" thick to about 3/16" as this reduces drag and improves rudder efficiency. I then put a couple of layers of fiberglass on to protect the foam core on all ground areas. Total labor time was one day. When we left Solomons, Md. in the fall we could hardly keep 'Falcon' from going to port as I had not removed the trim tab. I was unsure of the results of my rudder modification. At the first anchorage I went overboard and removed the trim tab. I was very gratified when we left the following morning and found the rudder perfectly balanced. The autopilot liked it too!

bobfnbw

yes, our E40 has the same problem. Not only is our rudder unfair, but the keel also. the Starboard side had a significant depression in it. On the sea trial , it was all I could do to keep her in a straight line, ... meaning I couldn't....lol.
since the autopilot was broken, I have not been able yet to see if the pilot will compensate for it.

Next year, on a month long haul out, I intend to work on both. For now, Its just a zig zag ride.