On Fri, 12 May 2006 10:30:00 -0700, "Capt. JG"
wrote:

Back to more questions somewhat related to the Perkins 4-108. This sailboat
is a pig to back up. It really wants to prop walk to starboard. According to
the owner, it's got a fixed, 3-blade prop. I believe the boat also has a
folding prop aboard in a locker. Would that help? Would tuning help? What do
you think?

Prop walk is a function of hull geometry, aperature size, prop pitch,
etc. One boater's solution may not solve yours.

However: I run a direct drive Atomic 4 on a '70s light cruiser-racer
with a fin keel and a spade rudder on a tiller. I used to have severe
prop walk with the stock Michigan Wheel 12 x 6 R.H. fixed two blader.
Just prior to launch I installed a Gori folding prop of 11.5 x 8
dimensions. It has made a significant difference in my handling under
power for the better, given me a good 1/2 knot increase in speed under
all conditions, better control and "bite" under low speeds, and best
of all, GREATLY reduced prop walk.

A friend of my with a very heavy steel 40' ketch with a full keel,
cutaway forefoot (36,000 lbs. in the slings) claims that cutting a
slightly larger aperature in his rudder allowed him to swing an
AutoProp custom cast for his boat. His frankly underpowered vessel (35
HP Volvo) can now dock like a minivan and makes 8.2 knots, a full knot
better. The thing sails better as well.

Call me a convert.

R.