When a boat has a little too much weather helm, my thought is that I can rake the mast more forward or in the case of an EC12 I can actually move the mast step forward. How do I determine which one to do?

Les, you want to make small adjustments until you get it right. My mast is perpendicular to the deck. Some folks sail with the mast perpendicular to the water. Changing the rake a small amount might do the trick. Then you can try moving the mast forward one hole. You might also want to look at the position of your jib. Moving the jib forward can also help cure weather helm.

A well tuned rig should allow the boat to sail for 3 or 4 boat lengths before it starts to head up without touching the rudder.

Also, I think there has already been a lot said about this subject on the site here. You should do a search to find more where much better skippers have explained this.

Good luck.

Joe Walter #24