Hi Silverhawk,

When I position the sails on my boat like you decribe, mine only goes side ways too, with little to no forward movement.

Sailing like this need the sails to be opened some 30 degrees, or else you'll get nothing but drift.

The weather helm can be remedied with more forward mastrake, like Pecos suggested.

Also, when the sails are hauled closed, the jib boom should point towards the stay.

I would try tuning your boat first, before you resort to drastic measures, after all, your boat won't be designed by a complete moron I presume...

Could you post some pictures?

Regards, Jan.

As for something bigger on a budget: look at the Thunder Tiger Voyager 1M, a good sailor, but it needs some work (sails and mainboom).
Ask pecos for a link to a cheap offer for this boat.