girlofwight
Well-Known Member
I’ll give it a go when we’re next out
Twin screw control
- Thread starter KREW2
- Start date
Robin
Well-Known Member
The thing I initially found hard to comprehend or rather remember was that where the boat is pointing is not necessarily
where it is moving inertially and that it is necessary to briefly counter all applied rotational movements first by applying brief counter action before moving off again in the required direction be that ahead or astern. Slow slow, tickover slow no flamboyant revving required. bow and stern thrusters, similar procedure, stop movement before engaging gears. In my case the wheel is left well alone and centred. We had a fault that meant our stern thruster was unusable one short trip in limited room to manoeuvre and it sure highlighted how it was missed.
I have probably explained myself badly and hope not created more confusion.
where it is moving inertially and that it is necessary to briefly counter all applied rotational movements first by applying brief counter action before moving off again in the required direction be that ahead or astern. Slow slow, tickover slow no flamboyant revving required. bow and stern thrusters, similar procedure, stop movement before engaging gears. In my case the wheel is left well alone and centred. We had a fault that meant our stern thruster was unusable one short trip in limited room to manoeuvre and it sure highlighted how it was missed.
I have probably explained myself badly and hope not created more confusion.
Greg2
Well-Known Member
I’ll give it a go when we’re next out
It certainly helps on our Hardy 36
Bandit
Well-Known Member
I assume you have no bow thruster?
A Seaward 25 has a reasonable keel. I have had a Halmatic 34 twin screw about 8 tonnes with no thrusters and she used to handle very well. Now I have an Aquastar 48 about 18.5 tonnes with a bow and a stern thruster she equally handles very well both without the thrusters, both boats have keels and twin screws and are effectively larger scale models of a Seward 25 for manoeuvring purposes. By all means manoeuvre slowly into the Marina using your rudders to slow down I sometimes knock the engine on the inside of a turn out of gear to keep the speed down then when you come to berth, centre the wheel and drive on the gear sticks. You only need enough speed to ensure the wind does not catch you. But as slow as you can. A large ball fender about a quarter of the way back from the bow allows you to motor against the pontoon to swing your stern out for exiting the berth.
Either go and practice with your regular crew or get a day or half a days tuition. If SWMBO is your usual crew and she is nervous get some onboard tuition.
Coming from sailing remember where the wind is coming from and allow for it or use it to your advantage. You will find that with time it’s a doddle to drive.
A bow thruster makes a lot of difference and a stern thruster is good on a larger boat.
A Seaward 25 has a reasonable keel. I have had a Halmatic 34 twin screw about 8 tonnes with no thrusters and she used to handle very well. Now I have an Aquastar 48 about 18.5 tonnes with a bow and a stern thruster she equally handles very well both without the thrusters, both boats have keels and twin screws and are effectively larger scale models of a Seward 25 for manoeuvring purposes. By all means manoeuvre slowly into the Marina using your rudders to slow down I sometimes knock the engine on the inside of a turn out of gear to keep the speed down then when you come to berth, centre the wheel and drive on the gear sticks. You only need enough speed to ensure the wind does not catch you. But as slow as you can. A large ball fender about a quarter of the way back from the bow allows you to motor against the pontoon to swing your stern out for exiting the berth.
Either go and practice with your regular crew or get a day or half a days tuition. If SWMBO is your usual crew and she is nervous get some onboard tuition.
Coming from sailing remember where the wind is coming from and allow for it or use it to your advantage. You will find that with time it’s a doddle to drive.
A bow thruster makes a lot of difference and a stern thruster is good on a larger boat.
