Boat Steering control.

[tigerhack]

With my 25 foot regal when reversing if i turn the steering left it reverses left if i turn the steering right it reverse left same way, but if i hold the steering straight at a good speed it reverse straight any tips or help on this ?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Boat Steering control.

What is the outdrive doing when you are in reverse? Is it actually turning properly or is it pushing back ........ you may have a leak in the steering.

You have to have someone watch the outdrive in reverse while you are under load in the water.

 

[Varago]

Re: Boat Steering control.

Most props have very poor control in reverse but some seem to have no control in reverse at idle. In sailing we called it prop walk, the back of the boat will move in the direction the prop rotates. This is why "but if i hold the steering straight at a good speed it reverse straight ". As you found out it takes a bit of speed to make it go in the direction you want. It is my understanding that props with a high rake have poor reverse control.

Dave L

 

[tigerhack]

Re: Boat Steering control.

What is the outdrive doing when you are in reverse? Is it actually turning properly or is it pushing back ........ you may have a leak in the steering.

You have to have someone watch the outdrive in reverse while you are under load in the water.

Bob it operates properly no leaks whatsoever....Outdrive turn left and right but it keeps going left when turn right and goes left if turn left only when reversing but if i increase throttle with steering straight it will reverse straight.i think its more of what varago says .

 

[grego]

Re: Boat Steering control.

Take it out into a bay and pratice it there untill you are comfortable in reverse,left and right,to see if it is you or boat, single props are hard to work with,in reverse.

 

[grego]

Re: Boat Steering control.

Take it out into a bay and work it in reverse,left and right,to see if it is you or boat, single props are hard to work with,in reverse.

 

[tigerhack]

Re: Boat Steering control.

Take it out into a bay and work it in reverse,left and right,to see if it is you or boat, single props are hard to work with,in reverse.

Yes greg i will after this wheather ease up...very windy here .choppy water.

 

[pvanv]

Re: Boat Steering control.

Yes, sounds like prop walk. Most RH props do back to the port side in preference to whatever helm you have steered to. Really a big issue on our sailboats. However, on rudder-equipped vessels, once adequate speed is achieved for steerageway, it's OK. Unruly boats sometimes have bow and/or stern thrusters to aid with slow-speed steering, especially in reverse.

Practice will help you select the best speed and steering techniques for backing.