Thanks to everyone for the helpful information. I have shortened my forestay and got the shrouds as tight as possible. This does help with the weather helm, but still not quite what I hoped for. Every time I am hit with a strong gust (unless I dump air by lettting out the main sheet,) the weather helm overpowers the rudders and the boat rounds up.
I just ordered the high-performance rudders from Joel at IDA Sailor. I should have them in a couple weeks. If they perform as advertised, it should help a lot with this issue. I'll post an update when I have a chance to sail with the new rudders.
Problems with Excessive Heel & Rounding Up
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delevi
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Rudders
I received my rudders from IDA sailor, and was quite disappointed to see how little difference there was in rudder shape from the stock rudders. The main difference is the square bottom vs rounded. The rudders are actually a few inches shorter than the stock ones. When I tried to install them, I discovered that the fitting was not exactly designed to property fit my 
without modifications. At this time, I made the decision that if they don't know the boat specs well enough, they have no business designing a rudder for it, and claiming that there will be substantial performance differences. Perhaps I didn't give them much of a chance, but I sent the rudders back for a refund.
I recall a recommendation from someone on this board that adjusting the angle of the rudders to go further back behind the transom; in more, will reduce weather helm. I made the adjustment to get them as far in as possible and found this to be true. The down side is that the helm is much heavier and the steering is a bit jumpy. I have adjusted the rudders again between the full inward position and the middle position, which is where my dealer set it. I have yet to sail with this setting, but am hoping that this will be a good compromise.
-Leon
without modifications. At this time, I made the decision that if they don't know the boat specs well enough, they have no business designing a rudder for it, and claiming that there will be substantial performance differences. Perhaps I didn't give them much of a chance, but I sent the rudders back for a refund.I recall a recommendation from someone on this board that adjusting the angle of the rudders to go further back behind the transom; in more, will reduce weather helm. I made the adjustment to get them as far in as possible and found this to be true. The down side is that the helm is much heavier and the steering is a bit jumpy. I have adjusted the rudders again between the full inward position and the middle position, which is where my dealer set it. I have yet to sail with this setting, but am hoping that this will be a good compromise.
-Leon
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Frank C
Leon - thanks for that feedback. I'd be as frustrated as you were to still find need for customizing after spending $500. But other reports on those rudders have been pretty positive, so it seems strange that you saw so little physical difference. I've been thinking the rudders might be my next big investment - think I'll keep them on the wish list for awhile longer.
Your changes relate to tilting the rotational axis, or "trimming it" forward, so the rudder's toe is under the transom. I don't yet see how this would impact weather helm, but want to learn more from the experts.
I never really studied the rudder topic but recall lots of discussion (years ago) on the Sailnet list server about tweaking the rudders of the classic Macs. Owners were usually fabbing completely new rudders in their garages.
If I understood it, a main objective was reducing the "heaviness" of the tiller. The standard mod was to move the rudder's vertical rotational axis aft by an inch or so. This creates a "power steering" effect as water pressure forward of axis helps to lighten the load. As for life in general, good changes can proceed to a point of diminishing returns. I don't remember if this might have affected weather helm, at all. I hope others can amplify the topic, particularly for X and M boats.
Your changes relate to tilting the rotational axis, or "trimming it" forward, so the rudder's toe is under the transom. I don't yet see how this would impact weather helm, but want to learn more from the experts.
I never really studied the rudder topic but recall lots of discussion (years ago) on the Sailnet list server about tweaking the rudders of the classic Macs. Owners were usually fabbing completely new rudders in their garages.
If I understood it, a main objective was reducing the "heaviness" of the tiller. The standard mod was to move the rudder's vertical rotational axis aft by an inch or so. This creates a "power steering" effect as water pressure forward of axis helps to lighten the load. As for life in general, good changes can proceed to a point of diminishing returns. I don't remember if this might have affected weather helm, at all. I hope others can amplify the topic, particularly for X and M boats.
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Catigale
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When I started out sailing my new 
in 2002 I didnt bring the rudders all the way forward and cleat them off
My helm was so heavy that Im sure it was overloading the steering and would have led to early failure of either cable, or rack/pinion assembly
I would say trying to adjust weather helm by changing rudder position as described would be ill advised in light of this potential for steering damage.
in 2002 I didnt bring the rudders all the way forward and cleat them offMy helm was so heavy that Im sure it was overloading the steering and would have led to early failure of either cable, or rack/pinion assembly
I would say trying to adjust weather helm by changing rudder position as described would be ill advised in light of this potential for steering damage.
