Wheel juddering from side to side ?

[Jobs_a_ good_ un]

Morning all

I have noticed on my bene 411 when I set off from the marina the wheel moves from side to side sort of juddering for the 1st few hundred yards
It only happens when we set off for and soon disappears anyone know what the cause could be ?
Thanks

 

[Thistle]

Weed etc caught on the rudder?

 

[Salty John]

Taking up the slack in the cables?

 

[jimbaerselman]

Possibilities: effects due to engine revs, or boat speed, or engine/drive chain/bearings temperature.

So, learn to test -

1. Does the juddering vary with engine revs; ie, if you throttle back then open up again while the juddering phase is active, does the juddering change?

2. Does this juddering vary with speed; ie, if you are sitting in a calm, away from your mooring, static, then start the engine and motor off?

3. And, referring to the last item, any difference between hot and cold engine/gearbox/bearings?

And your tests should point to an answer.

Unless you're just shaking off that giant octopus which lives on your rudder and doesn't like being rudely awoken . . .

Whatever, there's probably a bit of backlash in the system too.

 

[oldsaltoz]

If you have other than a fixed blade prop, then perhaps its not working as it should.

 

[rwoofer]

Sounds like propwash as the boat is accelerating. As the boat reaches it speed for the throttle setting the water will settle down.

Get a bit on my new boat.

 

[narooma]

If you have an autopilot it could open up a whole new line of suggestions. Similarly with a shaft brake.

 

[jerryat]

[ QUOTE ]
Sounds like propwash as the boat is accelerating. As the boat reaches it speed for the throttle setting the water will settle down.

Get a bit on my new boat.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yep, agreed. That's almost certainly the cause. I get it on my Fulmar when accelaerating from rest. As soon as a reasonable speed (circa 3-4 knots) is reached, all 'trembling' ceases. Very similar on friends' boats with a similar prop to rudder distance.

I wouln't worry about it unless it's something that has suddenly started, in which case there could be something on the prop.

 

[iangrant]

agreed - chuffin great 3 blade prop stuffin loads of water all over the place right in front of the rudder
(scientific response)

Another one of those things not to worry about...

Ian