I have been designing the steering and its geometry for my L/S. I now have a problem. The steering tube is fitted on an angle of 40 degrees back toward the stern (?) of the frame. When the frame is positioned at its normal height I can project the centerline of the steering tube to ground level and its obviously also at 40 degrees from vertical. Now, When I project a line verticaly down from the center of the wheel to the ground, must this vertical line intersect at the same point on the ground as the other line???
Should the vertical centerline of the wheel be forward of the line thru the steering tube? If so, how much is the ideal amount?
I can see that the vertical line must not intersect behind the Steering centerline and that if the two lines intersect on the ground, this would be ok. But how far forward is too far?
What have you guys found to give you good steering behaviour.???

Kody

Nice drawing Hillsy bang on. 30 degrees just seems to be the best. This is after trying different angles for the past 20 years. The important thing is the steering pivot lining up with the contact patch. Flatter than 30 degrees and the steering will just skim or float over the surface. Steeper will give more agressive turning, which may or may not be an advantage depending on the surface that you are sailing on.

paul

In that case hats off to DR. Get him to put his Tag on his art . be loud and proud.
. Re steering . If it isnt responding as well it is possible that the contact point is not right. keep in mind that a PM has a soggy back end and when your under power,if the back is down the front steering angle will be flatter. if your also changed to a skinny wheel it will all start to skate,instead of steer.
The first lay over I ever built was great for the first 3 races then I went over a bump , it bent, then I sailed of the course and into the campfire, completely unable to steer