Single sterndrive pivot point

[Donzi GT250]

I was told today by a seasoned boater that a single sterndrive boat such as mine has a pivot point around the stern of the boat in forward when turning and docking.
I had to disagree as my boat sure does seem to pivot more around the bow than the stern when moving forward turning and docking.
What is your experience?

 

[45Auto]

Re: Single sterndrive pivot point

The "pivot point" of a typical single sterndrive boat is about 2/3 of distance from the bow to the stern.

Have your friend try a couple of experiments (preferably not with your boat!):

Find a nice rough concrete wall (a nasty wooden pier with lots of nails sticking out is also acceptable) and position the boat with the wall 1 foot from the starboard (right) side.

Put the boat in forward and turn to port (left). If it pivots about the stern, then it won't touch the wall. However, you will find that you have big scars on the aft starboard corner of the boat as it pivots about it's CG and the right rear corner of the transom bounces off the wall.

Repeat the experiment, except put the boat in reverse this time. If it pivots about the bow, it won't touch the wall. However, in this case you will find the big scars on the forward starboard bow as it bounces off the wall when it pivots about the CG.