Eliminate Sideways Drift and Improve Turning

Understanding Drift

Without proper hull modifications, ships catch crosswinds and slide sideways instead of moving forward efficiently. This is where Keel blocks come in—they grip the water and convert lateral wind force into forward momentum.

Installing Keels

Place Keel blocks along the bottom centerline of your hull, stacking them vertically beneath the waterline. More keels increase water grip and help your ship tack into the wind more effectively. Position them in a line running the length of your ship for best results.

Adding Rudders for Steering

To turn your ship, install Rudder blocks and connect them to a vertical rotating shaft (from Create). Stack multiple rudders vertically for larger ships—each rudder increases turning power. Rotate the shaft to steer; the rudder angle determines your turn radius.

Testing Your Setup

With keels installed, sail into a crosswind and notice how your ship now moves forward instead of drifting sideways. Adjust your rudder shaft rotation to confirm steering responds correctly. Fine-tune keel and rudder placement if turning feels sluggish or drift persists.