Loose foot the main to reduce weather helm?

[chimerakc]

I have a Compac 23 and its squatting a bit in the stern due to heavier new outboard, 2 batteries, etc.  I have added weight in the bow and could add more.  I also raked the mast forward - could only do 2 turns on the turnbuckle, but that should help. There is no traveller and yes if sheet out it helps but then you lose speed.    Haven tried sailing yet with the forestay tighter.

My question is would loose footing the main reduce weather helm? I am getting mixed answers.  From my windsurfing days I know about center of effort.  I would think the more power the main has, the more it adds to weather helm.  Or not?   A very experienced sailor told me if the main performs better due to loose footing, it will help weather helm.   I just dont get how.  One other related question is I have tiller autopilot and would think weather helm is not good for that in terms of stress on it.  Will that working harder drain batteries faster?

Thanks for any thoughts. 

[Salty19]

Duplicate post, topic locked. See post in CP23 area.