Outboard engine prop walk

[catalac08]

My outboard main engine being between the rudders and pretty vertical has very little prop walk in either forward or astern. In harbours, marinas etc mostly I get by quite well with careful planning and appreciation of what is not going to work.

After having had this boat for 10 years I am amazed that with the engine tilted a little I can get terrific prop walk in forward and astern gears, in the appropriate opposite directions. Now I need to learn how to utilise this when berthing.

I am not really a slow learner, just that having power tilt on my new outboard has opened up this possibility to me.

I suppose that this is something that motor boaters who are used to outboard engine behaviour are well used to but it is not something I have ever read about or seen done!

 

[Deefor]

Even though I've got a Ruddersafe fitted, this is something I must try, especially as my new Honda BF20 has power tilt.

 

[homer]

Propwalk (despite what you might read elsewhere) is caused by props not being vertical. The prop tends to rotate the water (as well as pushing it to or fro) and this has a reaction on the boat a component of which (for a non-vertical prop) is about a vertical axis.

 

[catalac08]

Propwalk (despite what you might read elsewhere) is caused by props not being vertical. The prop tends to rotate the water (as well as pushing it to or fro) and this has a reaction on the boat a component of which (for a non-vertical prop) is about a vertical axis.

That is my point-the more the leg is tilted from vertical the greater the prop walk and this can be used to great effect.

 

[Seajet]

Just think of the prop acting as a paddlewheel, if it's extended horizontally it has a lot more turning leverage on the end of the boat.

Even at full depth a propellor will never be 100% efficient translating power to drive, some power goes in friction in engine & transmission of course, more in sideways prop effect - we only get what's left to drive the boat, thank God for sails !

 

[Boathook]

My outboard main engine being between the rudders and pretty vertical has very little prop walk in either forward or astern. In harbours, marinas etc mostly I get by quite well with careful planning and appreciation of what is not going to work.

After having had this boat for 10 years I am amazed that with the engine tilted a little I can get terrific prop walk in forward and astern gears, in the appropriate opposite directions. Now I need to learn how to utilise this when berthing.

I am not really a slow learner, just that having power tilt on my new outboard has opened up this possibility to me.

I suppose that this is something that motor boaters who are used to outboard engine behaviour are well used to but it is not something I have ever read about or seen done!

Had power tilt for around 5 years now and never realised. Must try it ! Could other nearby boats put out extra fenders please.