Backing Up and Walking to Port

[Kenneth]

Our Catalina 27 seems to have a severe walking to port problem when trying to back up. Is this problem a result of prop size, pitch or both? We are able to return to our slip with no problems (I guess we've gotten used to the amount of walk). Is this something I should be concerned with? We are somewhat concerned about entering new harbors and having to back up in unfamiliar territoy. Any advice?

 

[Peter]

prop walk

Prop walk is natural, and you can get used to it and use it to your advantage. Nevertheless, there's currently a discussion under "big boats" where a C34 owner is enquiring about prop walk. Lots of commentary there, check it out.

 

[Joe Barrett]

Prop Walk

Peter is right prop walk is natural, the shaft and prop only rotate one way, yours probabaly is right hand rotation producing port prop walk. A Feathering prop where the leading edge in forward gear flips in reverse so the leading edge is always forward will eliminate prop walk. Use it to your advantage with a little planning or switch to feathering prop!

 

[Wendell]

Prop walk is rpm dependent

Ken,As noted, prop walk is part of life with a propeller - water or air where it is known as P factor (lots of right rudder on take-off). Our Cat 30 also does the Port walk in reverse.Keeping the engine RPM at 800 minimizes prop so she backs out in a straight line (when the wind and current are not a factor). Such a low engine speed can make the process of "taking leave" seem eternal until there is enough water speed for the rudder to be effective.Try reducing engine RPM to find the range where your prop doesn't walk.

 

[Jim Latoz]

Dealing with prop walk.

My wife and I deal with prop walk on our Catalina 30 by starting in reverse with the rudder straight. As the boat gains speed aft,the transmission is shifted to neutral and the wheel turned slowly to bring the stern to starboard.

 

[Bob Camarena]

An asset

Once you learn how to control it, prop-walk can be an asset. Not that I'm an expert yet, but occasionally, I've been able to use it to almost move my boat sideways to ease up to a dock like I have twin screws. A good way to practice is in open water around a temporary, soft bouy like a fender tied to a line and weight.