Outboard steering issues

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DryDock

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10 Jun 2010
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Is there any reason that outboards don’t have a fixed rudder attached so that you can steer when not in gear, like when you are mooring and going very slow. I have looked at some mods people have made and also a typical inboard with rudder directly behind the propeller and I really can’t see any reason not to have a rudder. What are the issues; if your engine fails you have no steering which has happened to me already (shear pin). Not very cool.

:-)
 
Last edited:
OK
Let's not talk about the shear pin for a Mo

When using an outboard the basic technique is to 'steer then gear'.
In effect
Get the outboard pointing in the direction you want to go and then apply power.

There is a small 'rudder' effect with an outboard
But minimal

Basically you have solved the prob with your question.
'Steer then Gear'
When berthing or picking up a mooring or in close quarters
The thing to do is check out the wind or tide and go 'against' them.
Postion the 'Prop' ie point where you want ogo
Then adjust in samall bites with the throttle
A big rudder wherever you mount or place it will not help
The outboared is you rudder
 
DryDock said:
its a shetland 535 with a 20hp outboard. Its good to learn on as its quite small.

Cheers
Click to expand...

Yep
Good boat to learn on.
You don't need a 'rudder'
The outboard is you rudder
When going slow
IE, to berth or get to your mooring.
Go as slow as you can
Position the engine first then apply power in small bursts
Just in and out of gear.
'Steer then Gear'
This is the Trick!
Approach whatever, dock, berth, lock, mooring at 'slow ahead' then position the outboard before you engage gear
Then 'engage' then nuetral, then 'position' then engage again in small bursts just in gear, that's all you need.
Always when manouvering at slow speeds
Go into the wind or tide, whichever is the strongest
These elements are your 'brakes'!
 
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