Boat keeps going on port

rpell1@msn.com · Jun 9, 2015

Hi,

Try reverse. If the stern wants to move to the left, you're simply dealing with the usual "walk" we all experience. Learn to use it to your advantage while docking.

Although, at higher rpm's it usually does not amplify.....or maybe I just never noticed.

Incidentally, you should have a 10x13x1 prop that I believe is the standard for Cat 28's and 30's.

Happy Sailing

MORNING LIGHT said:
Hi
Just bought a Catalina 28 MkII with a Universal xp 25 engine and when running on motor at 4- 5 knts. the boat keeps wanting to go left all the time. I have a 3 blades prop. nt sure what size, .the faster I go , the worse it gets. and while sailing , no problem ! Any suggestion ?

Stu Jackson · Jun 9, 2015

ml, it's called "prop walk" and if you search on this or any other boating forum or Google, you can read for years.

It's normal.

Meriachee · Jun 9, 2015

Was the 26 an outboard?

jerry · Jun 9, 2015

Morning Light,
My 91 Cat 28 pulls very hard when using engine in both directions. I have a 2 blade prop. Probably my pitch is not correct as I have never checked it. I use it to great advantage when docking in heavy wind and when anchoring. It does take a while to learn. Check out the Catalina 28 Assn site on yahoo.com. Lots of good info.

jerry

centerline · Jun 10, 2015

MORNING LIGHT said:
Hi Stu
Had a Catalina 26 for the last 5 yrs with a tiller and never felt the prop walk while going forward ! Could it be that you feel it more with a wheel? Or the 3 blades prop accentuates the effect . While backing up , I am used to it !
Thanks anyway

All single screw boats have prop walk to some degree, and the closer the rudder is to the prop, the more pronounced it can be..
Powerboats counteract the force with trim tabs on the rudder or outdrive, but if we did that on our sailboats, it would pull the opposite direction when we were under sail.

Some boats with transom hung rudders can experiance very little prop walk going forward.

If you believe your problem is a bit extreme, check for any fouling of the rudder, such as a line around the rudder shaft..
Another issue that is common and often mistaken for abnormal pull to the left/right, is a dry/stiff turning rudder... with the help of the "prop walk" and the vibration of the engine, the wheel will turn fairly easy in one direction, but when turning the other way, the force needed must overcome the prop walk and the slight binding created due to the opposing forces on the dry shaft... making it seem like its pulling worse than it actually is.
so as the boat yaws as it moves thru the water, fighting the wheel becomes a burden that takes all the fun out of it...
Find a way to lubricate the rudder shaft bushings...