Re: Why boat steering wheels opposite cars?
The best answer is because we like it that way. Truthfully, it is marketing decisions that dictate that it ends up on the right side. Some sport boats put their stuff on the port side because it looks different, and somehow justifies the extra $$. When you look at boat designs, notice the placements. The old mahogany boat? Well, sometimes they were in the middle, sometimes they were pitched a bit to one side or the other. Center consoles, well...that is self-explanatory. Jet boats come each way. Most people like the throttle in the right hand, hence, there is your answer.<br /> As far as counter-rotation equalizing...I've busted that one before. I accidentaly bought a reverse handed prop for my emergency prop...hahaha was I surprised when I threw a hub and needed to go swimming. Hit the gas and thanked goodness that I didn't nail it. Damn! I was going backwards. I drove home with the throttle in reverse, (just fine actualy,) then back at the dock, on the Volvo 270, I pulled the pin and switched sides on the gear selection system. The rest of the summer, I drove normally, though my outdrive was backwards from the last season...hmmm..makes you wonder which was the "right" way to begin with. Boy! Did I let my marina guy have it....He sold me both, the first and emergency props. He should have noticed too.<br />Oh Well...At least I was boatin' when I was laughin'<br />-Gary
