Asymetric Fireball performance
Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: Dinghy classes
Forum Name: Dinghy development
Forum Discription: The latest moves in the dinghy market
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1706
Printed Date: 15 Aug 25 at 10:43am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Asymetric Fireball performance
Posted By: Chief Wiggam
Subject: Asymetric Fireball performance
Date Posted: 02 May 06 at 9:03am
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I am puzzled by the apparent difference in performance upwind of a Fireball - on port tack it points better and has better speed than on starboard and I cannot understand why - everything appears to be 'straight', settings remain the same but it simply doesn't 'flow' as well and feels to be rounding up into wind and then falling off the wind. I would be grateful for any thoughts on this. ------------- THE ISLE OF WIGHT - "2 MILLION SEAGULLS CAN'T BE WRONG" WHITECLIFF BAY - CHAV FREE BOATING FOR THE LOCALS |
Replies:
Posted By: Bruce Starbuck
Date Posted: 02 May 06 at 9:36am
| Is this a permanent feature or a one-off? If it happened for the first time this weekend, I'd say that the waves were probably different from one tack to the other. If it always happens, then something has to be asymmetrical about your boat. |
Posted By: Chief Wiggam
Date Posted: 02 May 06 at 10:56am
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It's not a one off but I acknowledge the waves aspect - it has been noted by a 'borrowed crew' in relatively flat water as well so I'm thinking that I need to get the laser level out and re-check the straightness again - thanks for the advice ------------- THE ISLE OF WIGHT - "2 MILLION SEAGULLS CAN'T BE WRONG" WHITECLIFF BAY - CHAV FREE BOATING FOR THE LOCALS |
Posted By: jeffers
Date Posted: 02 May 06 at 12:06pm
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Wiggam, This could be down to several things. 1) A bent mast, put the rig tension on with no main hoisted and look up the mainsail track, it may be abvious if the mast is bent. 2) Uneven shroud length, could cause the mast to look bent when in fact it is straight. 3) Spreader angle/deflection different on each side 4) Jib cars different on each side 5) Warped centreboard/rudder I would start with the bent mast though, if you have capsized and had it hit bottom it is surprising how easily they bend. Hope that helps, Paul ------------- Paul ---------------------- D-Zero GBR 74 |
Posted By: Garry
Date Posted: 02 May 06 at 4:47pm
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Quick tip to check for straight mast (even shroud lengths). Put rig tension on. Take the halyard to each quarter of the boat (may need to extend with rope or measuring tape - it should measure the same. Also sight up luff track with rig tension on, is it straight? ------------- Garry Lark 2252, Contender 298 www.cuckoos.eclipse.co.uk |
Posted By: Stefan Lloyd
Date Posted: 02 May 06 at 8:45pm
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I might be wrong, but don't Fireballs allow gybing boards? In which "case", that would be worth checking. There is a class association forum; you might get a more class-specific answer there.
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Posted By: Chief Wiggam
Date Posted: 03 May 06 at 8:31am
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Thanks for all the feedback - I'm thinking that now it's rig related as I have had new shrouds recently (although all looks well) - I know what I'm doing this weekend! ------------- THE ISLE OF WIGHT - "2 MILLION SEAGULLS CAN'T BE WRONG" WHITECLIFF BAY - CHAV FREE BOATING FOR THE LOCALS |
Posted By: jeffers
Date Posted: 03 May 06 at 9:55am
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Was is ok before you had the new shrouds? Or at least even on both tacks before you changed shrouds?
------------- Paul ---------------------- D-Zero GBR 74 |
Posted By: Chief Wiggam
Date Posted: 03 May 06 at 11:46am
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This 'problem' has occurred since the installation of the new shrouds - but I have also done some other works inc new rudder/centreboard and some structural re-inforcement as well. I would be very surprised if something within the boat was not straight as the original builder did such a good job - which leaves appendages, rig etc as being the main culprit Will update as and when the problem is found - I'm hoping to sail again on Saturday in lighter winds and will check out various settings etc then.
------------- THE ISLE OF WIGHT - "2 MILLION SEAGULLS CAN'T BE WRONG" WHITECLIFF BAY - CHAV FREE BOATING FOR THE LOCALS |