Why do my arrows swim?

[northland archer]

I shoot a 55# @28 longbow and wanted to try out some carbons, Carbon Express Terminators 45-60 that weigh about 550grains.  My bow is center shot and i shoot a fast flight string with the nock above center.  These arrows don't kick right or left but up and down.  Field points or broadheads it does not matter.  I have a bear hunt in 10 days and i am a little concerned.  Is my spine too light?  Arrows too light? If i can't figure it out i will need to go back to my woods for this hunt.  
Thanks of any help.

[Charlie Lamb]

Up and down... porpoising... usually indicates a problem with nocking point. Normally because it's too low.

Nock your arrow a quarter inch higher and see if it helps.

[northland archer]

I shoot a differant carbon that are 55-70 spine and pretty much the same set up as the Terminators.  They fly like a dream.

[strick9]

What Charlie said , this is one time where shooting paper at about ten feet actually helped me out greatly..If tear from hole is up then lower knock point and visa versa...

[jmack]

If your arrows aren't fish tailing (left & right wobble), then your arrows are fine. Porpising (up & down wobble) indicates improper nock placement. If you have crimp on nocks, then you can get a bow square and a set of nocking pliers for about $8.00 I think. Set the bow square on the arrow shelf, and snap the "T" end onto your string. The 0 on the T end should align evenly with the arrow shelf. Now you will need to place the bottom of a nock even with the 0 mark. Crimp it very loosely with you nocking pliers, and fling some arrows. If there is no wobble, then crimp your nock set tightly (be careful not to sever your serving!). If you arrows are still porpising, then adjust your loosely set nock up or down by 1/8 inch increments until you have good arrow flight. I shoot 3 under, and need my nock set 1/2 inch high.

[bowbender1]

a good starting point to stop the porpoising is to have your nock at 1/2 to 5/8 up and then nock under.

[Arwin]

If your arrows are swimming maybe they are for bowfishing,LOL!      

[swampbuck]

Originally posted by northland archer:
I shoot a differant carbon that are 55-70 spine and pretty much the same set up as the Terminators.  They fly like a dream.

May I ask why not shoot the arrows that "fly like a dream"???

Up and down is NP whats already been said is correct.It's better to be nock high than nock low,too low and it will bounce off the shelf or rest indicating a nock high condition.I'd start at at least 3\\8 above square nockin under 1/2 isn't out of the ?? at all some folks like it even higher from what I,ve read.I shoot ICS 400's and my NP is @ 3/8+.Good luck!!

[swampbuck]

I assume your not pushing the arrow down as you draw,I tied a nock under as well just to make sure I wasn;t doing that myself

Again good luck!!

[northland archer]

I will rise the nock point a bit to see if it helps.  If not, i think a sale of a few arrows will be in my future and i will stick with what works.  Thanks for the input and help.

[WildmanSC]

"Why do my arrows swim?"

Because the buoyant force of the displaced water is greater than the mass of the arrow.      

Increase your nock point height 1/16" and shoot a couple arrows.  If they continue flying in the up and down motion, increase it another 1/16" and shoot a couple more arrows.  

Continue the process increasing nock point height 1/16" at a time and checking arrow flight until you get good arrow flight.  Or, if you are getting good arrow flight with your woodies, to me it's a no brainer, shoot the woodies!

Bill

[ChuckC]

This has come up before.  Remember, your nock and the arrow has some thickness to it.  If you tie or crimp on a string nock that is level with the arrow rest, you are essentially placing your arrow at below-level position to start with.  You need to be at least 3/16 or more above level just to get the arrow to be in the level position.  It may need to be above the level position for it to fly well.  Get there by shooting and trying.

Oh.  I didn't see it stated.  These arrows are FEATHER fletched...right ?
ChuckC