Steering at low speed

[Warpa]

Just another query i have On a single engine setup, why do i have to constantly adjust the steering I know the prop will want to push it just a tad in one direction, so a slight opposite lock on the wheel should compensate?

I have found that if i keep dead ahead that sometimes the bow will go to one side, then come back to me while keeping the sterring steady, this will also maintain a straight line, but only for 30 seconds or so when i need to re adjust? On a plane its solid as a rock. I wouldnt blame wind or tide as this happens inland rivers in any direction.

 

[landlockedpirate]

It's just a characteristic of planeing hulls, with single outdrives at low speed. It's because they only have a very small 'rudder' on the outdrive, so the boat wanders until you go fast enough.

 

[Warpa]

It's just a characteristic of planeing hulls, with single outdrives at low speed. It's because they only have a very small 'rudder' on the outdrive, so the boat wanders until you go fast enough.

Thankee

 

[sarabande]

It could also have a lot to do with the immersed area of the hull - whichever side has more wetted surface area will have more off-centre drag. That will change according to the boat's roll angle and the waves.

 

[rafiki_]

It is not just single engined planing hulls, although more marked on these. Rafiki's bow is quite lively in any breeze, and you just need to be aware of using small steering corrections rather that oversteering, which is the tendency when "new" to this game, which means you are always correcting. It will settle down more quickly if you use 50% of the steering input that you initially feel necessary.

 

[duncan]

everything the others say, plus the fact that you are effectively pushing a supermarket trolley the wrong way round!

the prop/drive have grip and the bow not only moves about but, as pointed out, hasn't got any grip!

once used to it you can steer a straight line without thinking but it's a lot easier once the hydrodynamic forces give the hull some longitudinal grip

 

[rafiki_]

everything the others say, plus the fact that you are effectively pushing a supermarket trolley the wrong way round!

the prop/drive have grip and the bow not only moves about but, as pointed out, hasn't got any grip!

once used to it you can steer a straight line without thinking but it's a lot easier once the hydrodynamic forces give the hull some longitudinal grip

At least you don't get a sticky wheel with a boat.