close quarters boat manouvering

[Solitaire]

I was wondering when someone was going to mention the difference bewtween shafts and outdrive turning! Particularly on duo props where the effects of prop walk are less due to the contra roatation of the duo props. Turning with outdrives requires constant use of the wheel because the wheel controls the direction of the prop wash.. To achieve the tightest turn, the wheel should be turned before the prop is engaged - as I constantly tell students, "Steer before gear" - so that the prop wash starts the turn and does not use up valuable turning space by driving forward first. Wash from the prop driving astern is also directional and is used to help the turn. An important thing to remember is the pivot point is further back when going astern (same for both twin and single screw boats). This has the effect of making the bow drift very quickly when reversing in a cross wind. If the bow does start to drift uncontolably ,let it and the stern will seek the wind. reverse into the wind to make more space and then motor forward to recover the situation.

To turn in a confined space you should think about 1. Wheel hard over to starboard and put port engine ahead. The check the turn. 2. Enagage neutral and turn wheel hard to port then gently motor in reverse using starboard engine - check the turn. 3. Go back into neutral and turn wheel hard over to starboard and motor ahead on the port engine - check the turn. When the turn is completed straighten the helm engagae both engines and drive forward.

Obviuolsly the sequence would depend on the direction of the turn So use opposite wheel lock to the engine - wheel to port use starboard engine and so on. Always change wheeel position between motoring ahead and astern.

Keeping the engine/s in tickover is all that is required and do it all very slowly Too much power will pull everything out of shape.

Mike I know you know this, just clicked on your post./forums/images/icons/wink.gif

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[Mike21]

Thanks David, you explained it better than I did

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[Freebee]

Thanks to one and all. If weather allows I will give it a try and report back.

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[Lozzer]

With your new boat do you have new controls, like EDC????? If so and you have not used them before be prepared for time lag. It could take a second or two for gear to engage but it will... Often when I have taught people tend to want to give EDC controls a bit of stick until they get used to them. If you have limited space then this should be considered.

The engines should act in a similar way as shafts but your pivot point will be much further back. Also because in general the engines are closer together you dont get as much push from the side as it were...

Good luck and well done for getting tuition, I am sure you will be fine remember confidence and competence are the most important things as they will make the experience pleasurable.

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[Ifraser]

I usually drive twin shafts but have plenty of outdrive experience. if your at Cobbs Quay I live in Poole and could give you a hand if you like....p.m. me contact details if you like, i'll be happy to assist....Iain

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[Mr__Max]

Im so lucky to know you ! you have such an abundance of knowledge, it is a priveledge and an honour to call you "my friend" !

Oh did you polish out the scratches down the side of your boat ?

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[Solitaire]

You mean the ones you left there!! /forums/images/icons/wink.gif

<hr width=100% size=1>Boating is <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.powerboattraininguk.co.uk>Serious Fun</A>

 

[abraxus]

I would agree with others here and wait for the instructor and use the fuel fill up as part of the course.

The main reason for suggesting this is that you have asked for help about getting the boat out of the berth. If you're concerened about this, then you're going to have a barrel of laughs getting it back into the berth.

To save having to post again from the fuel pontoon about how to get back in, I'd wait for the instructor.

It's not rocket science, but as someone previously said, it's all about confidence, and it's much easier and less stressful if you got someone qualified with you.

Bill

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