Stern Drives Query

[Jean]

A topic of recent discussion with sailing friends was the use of a power vessel fitted with stern drives to its 200 HP engines. What is the best normal close quarters (eg, in a marina) manoeuvring technique, engines only (and fixed position helm) or engines combined with steering too?

 

[Piers]

You'll find equal numbers say either keep the wheel central and use power alone, versus using both. Many instructors say fixed helm, but carry on to say they are not used to stern drives, only propshafts - is there a clue here?

I first had sterndrives over 10 years ago. Under instruction, I was told to keep the wheel central. But with experience, using helm with power is far, far better, with much more precise manouvering.

The trick is having a mental picture of what you are trying to achieve against the moments you'll produce by using helm and one or other of the engines. And make sure you choose the right engine - it can make a lot of difference.

Piers du Pré
MBM Cruising Club enthusiast
www.dupre.co.uk/fsPlaydeau.htm

 

[tripleace]

I have three stern drives, use 2 when in marina etc.

If you think about it:

Central wheel for basic control.

If you operate on full lock it is posssible to move boat sideways.

Example : mooring : moving slowly forward (no drive) with max lock towards the bank causes the bow to move towards the bank, then with revs on one engine in reverse the transom will come in. This is best shown rather than written.

Use it like a crude aft transom truster.

Like all things its practice.

When in the central position you should a little bit of the banana type steering a shaft boat has on one engine. stern drive may need a little steering help to produce the true effect.

 

[boatone]

>>Example : mooring : moving slowly forward (no drive) with max lock towards the bank causes the bow to move towards the bank, then with revs on one engine in reverse the transom will come in. This is best shown rather than written.<<

I take it you are suggesting there will be a slight 'rudder' effect due to the attitude of the legs?

Does anyone know of a diagrammatic presentation of using two outdrives as manouvering capability?

Can anyone suggest how best to counter wind effects when in a very tight marina area (without bow or stern thrusters) ?



TonyR
boatone@boatsontheweb.com
www.boatsonthethames.co.uk

 

[duncan]

of course the big advantage of leaving the steering central is that you know where it is when you apply the (touch of) power!
If you have a visual indication at the helm of where the drives are pointing then using both helm and engines gives you the answer to most situations - this includes the fact that you do have a significant rudder effect with many drives - esp a pair Mer BIIIs!

Happy manoevering.