4 BOAT HANDLING TURNING TECHNIQUES


Back on page 19 we learned that outboards and outdrives have different steering characteristics to the more traditional fixed prop and rudder types, namely… Outboards and outdrives can only steer the boat when the propeller is turning because they rely solely on the thrust. Try and remember the phrase ‘steer before gear’ meaning that you should turn the drive leg to where you want it before you open the throttle. Conventional rudders will continue to steer so long as there’s waterflow over their blades (it’s called ‘steerageway’) whether the prop is turning or not. However, rudders are much more efficient when that waterflow is boosted by prop thrust.


Before we discuss how to deal with these differences, let’s expand briefly on propellers. As well as the thrust that propels a boat either forward or sternwards, there’s another less obvious action at work. This is known as ‘prop-walk’ – a sort of paddle-wheel effect that introduces a small amount of sideways propulsion, particularly when going astern. We can use this to advantage when turning our boats.


REMEMBER: A right-handed prop will kick to port when going astern. A left-handed prop will kick to starboard.


Single screw and rudder


This type relies heavily on prop-walk. First, you should…


■ Establish which way the stern will kick when going astern. If you already know whether the prop is left or right handed, you can work it out. If not, try looking into the bilge to see which way the shaft is rotating or simply experiment in advance by putting the rudder amidships and giving a quick burst astern. The wash should emerge predominantly from one side or the other and the stern will kick in the opposite direction (Fig 4:4).


■ Check the direction of wind and stream. It is always better to turn the boat into the wind and stream to avoid being swept down. If their directions conflict, prop and rudder boats should pay more attention to the stream.


Right, you are ready to start. Go easy on the throttle because too much speed makes the turning circle larger. Let’s assume our boat has a right handed prop which means the stern will kick to port in reverse.


Fig 4:4


26


RYA Seamanship for Sea Anglers


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