sunchaser
Guru
- Joined
- Apr 9, 2008
- Messages
- 10,293
- Location
- usa
- Vessel Name
- sunchaser V
- Vessel Make
- DeFever 48 (sold)
I find some increase in speed helps when I'm with a following sea due to closer matching of boat speed to wave speed plus increased pressure on the rudders.* In the PNW 9 - 10 knots*seems to be a sweet spot to match following sea swell periods until winds reach + 25 - 30 knots. *Dashew and other blue water cruisers note that a power or sailing vessel that can do 10 to 11 knots matches most following sea conditions pretty well - ie "speed" is good.*
I consider my rudders oversize which is a plus in a following sea. An under size rudder(s) is unfortunately all too common and exacerbates low speed handling woes.
Obviously, when following seas are too big to handle, course alteration is called for.
In larger following seas my AP is not quick enough and I hand steer. Although this is not uncommon, I'm going to see if something can be done such as AP timing or larger rams. Any thoughts?
I consider my rudders oversize which is a plus in a following sea. An under size rudder(s) is unfortunately all too common and exacerbates low speed handling woes.
Obviously, when following seas are too big to handle, course alteration is called for.
In larger following seas my AP is not quick enough and I hand steer. Although this is not uncommon, I'm going to see if something can be done such as AP timing or larger rams. Any thoughts?