Hi

Steve this was the exact system with 99 pct. of the old Semi diesels in
commersial and fishing vessels --- it is great when manuvering as both
reverse and forwerds turn the aft end of the ship in same direction ;
going forwerds and reverse a number of times, simply turn the boat on a
coin , when you back out a harbour you can plan your manuver way ahead
and kindof feel how perfect you navigate 36 ton just with a turnable
pitch propellor a clutch a rudder that make just the final touch man
you can almost make it fly )
Anyway there was no hydrolics to turn a maby one meter diameter two
blade with a flywheel with one ton deadweight and just two cylinders
the sice each of a bucked .
Now these engines are still used but not many are still manufactored
,and that even they are such engines that will run to the ends of day's
at 400 rev.

Sabb copied the best of it all with their small engine with fast
reverse ; 3/4 rounds from fore to aft, without clutch and is proberly
the best thing to look for ; emagine 2 each side the boat, then you can
make it go sideverds ( I could with just one )