Question about Lee Helm

I'm new to Hobie Cats and wanted to know if lee helm was common to catamarans?? I'm an experienced monohull sailor and typically a touch if weather welm is normal. Is was great sailing today with perfect winds up to 12 knots or so but the lee helm was getting really annoying....the boat just kept on wanting to drift off. After the sail, I tightened up the shrouds...will this make a difference?

Weather helm is also preferred on a cat. Especially due to the higher speeds. Lee helm on a reach can be dangerous.

Mast rake effects helm, so maybe you have it set too far forward. Keep moving the shrouds lower until the helm balances. Always tension the jib halyard to pull the mast forward and tension the rig. Usually the helm is heavier going to weather and then lighter on a reach / run. So set up the reach run to have a light weather helm.

If mast rake doesn't do it, You can re drill / adjust the rudder rake.

H16s like LOTS of mast rake. Better to weather and less bow stuff / pitch pole potential. We rake back till the main blocks touch when fully sheeted.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)