My boat only steers in one direction in reverse. In forward it steers correctly but in reverse it only steers in one direction. How is that possible?
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My boat only steers in one direction in reverse. In forward it steers correctly but in reverse it only steers in one direction. How is that possible?
Your engine connects to your prop. Your prop is in front of your rudder on the boat. In forward, your prop sends water over (around) the rudder. The more water going over the rudder, the better the response is for the turning of the boat.
In reverse, your prop pulls water. However, because there is a (relatively) large gap between the rudder and the prop, most of the water does not pass the rudder. Thus, the rudder is ineffective. Also, because your props spins sideways relative to the boat, it pulls water from one side more than anywhere else. The is called "squat", in prop driven planes it is called "P"-factor.
Direct Drives pull to the right in reverse unless you have a CC Nautique (they all pull left).
Now, just practice and use it to your advantage. Thinking ahead of the boat will allow you to manuever it anywhere you need to.
A Vdrive can actually be very manuverable if you understand the principles and apply them. Just remember that all manuvers at the dock or alongside another boat are done at extremely slow speed, bumping the throttle is the key.
When backing off the trailer dockside bumping reverse will allow you to back straight up without the stern moving right.
When docking slowly approach (again bump the throttle) the dock on your starboard side at roughly a 20-25 degree angle. As the bow approaches the dock engage reverse and the boat will swing alongside the dock.
Practice this technique by spinning your boat. By engaging forward and reverse in succession you can virtually spin your inboard around within it's own length. A very useful manuver when the ramp is full and you need to get away or are in close confines.
Once you have these techniques down you'll wonder why you worried about it! One of my favs that never fails to impress people is backing to another boats swim platform. I cross the stern of another boat slowly at about a 15 degree angle and reverse slowly and the platform backs right up to the other, great for loading and unloading peeps in your boating party! :D
Definitely took some getting used to. But now when I have a chance to drive the neighbors outboard - I have a much harder time coming alongside the dock with the outboard. Slow approach , bumping throttle (reverse-neutral-reverse-neutral-...), and do not shut down until you are at a complete stop where you want to be. I actually prefer it these days, but I am not trailering...
There's nothing easier to drive than an outboard.
Gus you'll get it in no time! ;)
no doubt the v drive takes some getting used to. I was used to driving a stern drive deck boat that steered best in reverse. When it's windy you basically have to drag that deck boat with the rear end. I'm at the point now where I've found the benefits of the V drive in close quarters- tighter turning radius, shallow draft- to outweigh that big honkin' deck boat. Just have to back her straight up, and spin spin spin baby!