Lifting keel anchoring problems

[david01]

Hi there

I have a 2013 Sun Odyssey 379 Lifting Keel. Overall, I am delighted with her, both in terms of performance and the ability to sneak in shallow. However, I have noticed that once the wind picks up to 20+ knots, she yaws around at anchor (or on a mooring buoy) considerably more than similar sized yachts. I assume this is the keel. She also snatches at her anchor at a lower wind strength than I would expect.

Do any owners with lifting keels have any suggestions for me? i use a standard snubber which has only a limited effect as the wind builds. Bridle? If so, do people have any tried and tested set ups to share?

Many thanks

David

[sailingabe41ds]

I am not sure if you are talking about swinging back and forth while at anchor as if you were sailing at anchor. Most modern hull boat designs do that... some more than others and I don't think that your keel helps the situation .  I had a Hunter 36 that was horrible at anchor.  What helped was to pull the rudder to one side or the other,  but what helped the most was a riding sail that you attach to the back stay.  It keeps the boat from swinging as much and pointed into the wind.  This reduced my swing by 50%.

Best,

Abe

[Quiddle]

I had a 36i with a standard keel and found yawing at anchor a problem, more so than similar designs anchored nearby. I tried an angel/chum, rudder to one side and an offset snubber through the midship fairlead but with very limited success. What I didn't try, but since selling I've heard of, is using a drogue attached to the anchor cable about 1m below the surface, which apparently dampens bow movement, allowing the stern to keep pace with the bow blowing off wind.
A riding sail is probably a better solution but not particularly easy to rig with a split backstay and bimini or arch.

[NZL50505]

Or if you’re in shallow water with soft mud underneath lower the keel just enough to stop the movement! 😃

[sailingabe41ds]

Jun 2, 2021 22:36:33 GMT NZL50505 said:

Or if you’re in shallow water with soft mud underneath lower the keel just enough to stop the movement! 😃

....then his next post will be how do I fix a bent keel.

Abe