DSK wrote:

otnmbrd wrote:


There are a whole bunch of different factors involved with each type
boat, operator, and conditions (such as the folding prop issue) that
will have to be factored in, which makes trying to recommend a positive
solution to any one boat, difficult, in this medium.


Exactly. That's part of the fun!


One reason I don't like using too much power/speed astern is the strain
on steering gear ( be it tiller or pedestal) when trying to use the rudder.


I hope that is'nt a problem for us, our rudder is a 1/4" SS plate on a 1 1/2" dia shaft
with monsterous bearings & hydraulic steering. Some boats, especially as the tonnage get
larger, can be a problem you're right. A busted rudder can ruin the whole day!

Much depends on the system:
Tiller - can become a total "bear" when astern
Wire, via Sheaves to the wheel - parted wire, runaway wheel which shears
stops.
Hydraulic - in and of itself can put some heavy strain on gear, causing
cracked mounts, post.
ETC.
Each boat will have to show it's own weaknesses .... they all have some.



Something else to think about, which I frequently use (in the past on
sail and nowadays on power). If I have a right hand prop and want to
back in a particular direction, I will frequently start with a kick
ahead and hard left rudder to get the boat swinging to port, then
midships the rudder and start astern (timing is everything) and let the
prop walk stop the port hand swing of the bow while getting up sternway
so that the rudder can take over when I stop the engine so that I'm
going in the direction I want (this can be repeated).


I've read about this in the texts, but haven't gotten the hang of it in practice. We were
doing practice maneuvers for a while but have fallen out of the habit... need to get back
into it.

It's a "basic" maneuver, but it's usefulness depends a good deal on the
boat, operator and conditions .... i.e., it can't always be used and
needs to be played with.


Also, play close attention to the wind ..... a high percentage of boats
want to back into the wind (and current) and will sometimes do this over
prop walk, ....something else you can use to your advantage.


Another thing tha varies highly from boat to boat. Our tug has a big keel & is quite heavy
for the amount of windage, she doesn't seem to swing at all and drifts very little.
Although I have noticed that it is more difficult to bring the bow into the wind from a
standing start, probably another area to practice.

Check this in various wind speeds and currents ..... the results will
vary, by boat as you say (figure 15K of wind equals 1/2k of current @).
My experience is that I always will bring the stern through the wind,
rather than the bow ..... generally easier.

One big difference between driving a sailboat and driving a powerboat is the pivot point,
and the helmsmans point of view. A sailboat pivots around her CLR, approx the midpoint of
the keel foil, usually about 1/2 way the length of the waterline. Powerboats pivot much
further forward. And on our boat (like many) the helm is much further forward than on a
sailboat. So you have to beware of swinging the stern into things.... we haven't done that,
but it would be an easy mistake.

G if you have a forward steering station, watch your compass ( knowing
the heading you are on) ....it tells you where your stern is, to some
degree ( not swing clearance)

In all, it's a different kind of fun than sailing, but still very enjoyable.

Fresh Breezes- Doug King


I haven't found an aspect of boating yet that I don't enjoy to some
degree...... welllll....I never liked sanitary tank cleaning detail......

otn