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.
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.
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).
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.

otn

DSK wrote:
otnmbrd wrote:


In truth, there is no "prop walk" speed ..... it is always there. What
you describe is getting enough sternway on that the larger rudder on
your sailboat becomes, somewhat, effective.


Agreed. In my experience, revving exaggerates prop walk, but a boat with a small prop
and a large rudder (such as most sailboats) this may be the best way to get the boat
backing the way you want.

Out tugboat has the opposite, big prop and relatively small rudder. It takes a lot of
speed astern to get steerage, and it makes me nervous to go rushing backwards. So I
usually leave it at idle in reverse to gather sternway and then steer using bursts of
forward against the rudder.

To back into our slip, we have to make a 90 degree turn in the opposite direction
that prop walk in astern wants to pull us. I put the helm hard over & leave it, and
idle in reverse, occasionally switching to forward and revving slightly. It's taken
some practice but we can do it pretty smoothly now (most of the time).

Some folks with heavy single prop boats just give up and get a bow thruster. In fact,
in many trawler magazines you'll see claims that a bow thruster is necessary. So far
I haven't found it to be so, but I grant that there are some conditions where some
maneuvers simply can't work.

Fresh Breezes- Doug King