Piloting a twin screw.

[sailsmanship]

Question... I have been a single stern drive boater for a long time, and now since I have purchased a twin inboard I am finding myself on a learning curve.Most things are coming to me pretty quick except when I approach my dock at an angle. What drive position do I use to tuck the stern in ?.Approaching my dock starboard side, on my single I/O I would turn wheel starboard and put in reverse. Obviously this doesn't apply. When I forward starboard and reverse port, the bow comes out. I know that's what it's supposed to do, but how do I hold the bow where I want it and swing the stern?

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Piloting a twin screw.

sails. when approaching with your starboard side, try going forward with your starboard engine with the port in neutral. You need to be almost stopped before doing this. As your stern swings toward the dock, if you build too much speed, take the starboard out of gear and put port in reverse. The key to this manuever is the angle you approach the dock. Too much angle and your bow will hit too soon, too little angle and your bow will swing away before your stern gets close enough. About 45* is perfect with no wind. Give it a try. If the wind is pushing you away from the dock, you need more angle. If it's pushing you toward the dock, you need very little. If it's blowing lengthwise along the dock, it's best to have your bow into the wind. Good luck.

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Piloting a twin screw.

Also learn to use the weight and momentum of the boat. Slow manauvering is not always the best solution. Always work against the current or wind.

 

[prockvoan]

Re: Piloting a twin screw.

Starboard engine in forward,port in reverse!Should turn on a dime.You really don't need or have to use the wheel,use the engines.

 

[Barlow]

Re: Piloting a twin screw.

Originally posted by prockvoan:<br /> Starboard engine in forward,port in reverse!Should turn on a dime.You really don't need or have to use the wheel,use the engines.

that can get hairy with the transmissions but works well if ya don't mind bangin' crap around when you need to compensate quickly..<br /><br />alot of variables to consider..<br /><br />#1.. how big a boat are we talkin' ?

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Piloting a twin screw.

trannys dont care as long as they are shifted below 700 rpm or so. thats the only way you can manuver boats over 30ft or so with twin screws. rudders dont work well at low speeds. I dont like running big boats anymore but learn how to use the screws and leave the rudders in the ahead position and you can just about parralel park it. toss in a bow thruster and the fun begins <br />and never approach anything faster than ya care to hit it. and for safety make sure no one sticks limbs out to catch the boat. bad enough on the 14ft boat. can take arms and legs snooth off with a 35ft boat.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Piloting a twin screw.

I agree with rodbolt, leave the steering wheel alone. Twin screws make life sooo much easier once you get the hang of it.<br /><br />Practice, practice, practice.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[prockvoan]

Re: Piloting a twin screw.

I wouldn't have it any other way.Inboards,that is!Use the screws,not the wheel.I stand correct!Been doing it for over 25+years.

 

[Realgun]

Re: Piloting a twin screw.

I though this was in the wrong forum.

 

[sailsmanship]

Re: Piloting a twin screw.

It's a 30 foot flybridge with a 12 foot beam. thanks...