28 MKII motoring

[Bill]

Hello,I'm looking at a 28 MkII, and am concerned about the boat's motoring characteristics. Under power I have to put considerable right rudder pressure on the wheel to hold a steady course. The boat backs pretty severely to port as well.... Is this the norm for this model, or is there something wrong here? I appreciate any help you can give me, as I am ready to start negotiating for her.

 

[Stan Rogacevicz srogacev@holycross.edu]

Catalina 28 Prop Walk

Bill, Buy it, I just traded one in for a c320 and it served me well. Almost all right turning fixed (not feathering or self-pitching) props will walk the stern to the right going forward and left in reverse. It's not the boat it is the nature of the prop turning. The best way to overcome the problem that is at its worst when backing to the right out of a slip (which I have to do) is to gun the motor more than seems appropriate to gain sternway and steerage with the wheel only slightly turned to the right, then throttle down, hit neutral, and crank the wheel to the right, and coast through the turn. Prop walk can also be used to your advantage if you want to make a tight turn going forward allways turn to the left and the forward right stern movement will make a very tight turn easy.Stan

 

[Chris Crall]

Prop Action

I have a 28MkII and it acts the same way. It takes some getting used to but we love the boat.

 

[Steve W]

most do it

Bill, Stan is right on the money. Although I own a Newport 28MK II, I race on a Catalina 28 and it has the same charcteristics as you describe, as does my Newport. I went from a 21' outboard powered sailboat to this one and it can get a little hairy until you get the hang of it, especially if there is a little cross wind & current and you are single handing. Be patient, it gets easier with a little practice. That's a great boat. You will love it.

 

[Kevin Kluthe]

prop walk

Yeah, they all do it. Just get used to it and it will help you negotiate those tight spots. Like the others say, when backing out of the slip, just give it a little extra umph with the throttle and then let off and steer on out, but it takes some getting used to.

 

[Dan Sweeney]

28MK II Motoring

The "problem" you perceive is endemic to ANY boat with a propellor. Unequal blade thrust moves the bow to port when going ahead and the stern to port when in reverse. "Chapman's Piloting, Seamanship and Small Boat Handling" has an easily understood explanation which is well worth reading...the thrust can be used to your advantage in a variety of situations.