My Catalina 30 under power pulls to port. Under sail there is no weatherhelm it sails a straight line. Any thoughts as to why the prop is causing the boat to pull to port under power? Thank you.
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Prop walk
It’s a phenomenon called prop walk. A clockwise turning prop drags some water from right to left in the free area below. In the area above, next to the hull, less water is dragged round with each turn. This adds up to a thrust toward the starboard at the stern. This causes the bow to turn to port. This can be a very useful when maneuvering next to a dock at slow speeds. When in reverse you should see the stern kick around to port. If you are in a position where the action isn’t useful, you should at least be aware that it’s there. S/V Anodyne
It’s a phenomenon called prop walk. A clockwise turning prop drags some water from right to left in the free area below. In the area above, next to the hull, less water is dragged round with each turn. This adds up to a thrust toward the starboard at the stern. This causes the bow to turn to port. This can be a very useful when maneuvering next to a dock at slow speeds. When in reverse you should see the stern kick around to port. If you are in a position where the action isn’t useful, you should at least be aware that it’s there. S/V Anodyne
Using Prop Walk
Bob Dennis is right. What you describe means that you have to "tilt" your wheel (or tiller) to the right (or left) to keep going straight when you are motoring. The beauty of this prop walk, which a lot of people dislike, is that you can use it to turn your boat in a tight circle. Going forward, the boat naturally wants to go to the left (right?, I mean correct?) What also happens is when you back up while motoring, it wants to go the other way, because the prop is now spinning "backwards.". Find a clear spot on the water, and practice using the prop walk to your advantage, by going forward one way and backing the other the same way the prop wants to pull the or push the stern. Once you get the hang of using the prop walk, you may learn to understand the potential for using it in "tight" situations and for turning your boat right around on its keel. Much has been written about this, try Calder's. Good luck, Stu
Bob Dennis is right. What you describe means that you have to "tilt" your wheel (or tiller) to the right (or left) to keep going straight when you are motoring. The beauty of this prop walk, which a lot of people dislike, is that you can use it to turn your boat in a tight circle. Going forward, the boat naturally wants to go to the left (right?, I mean correct?) What also happens is when you back up while motoring, it wants to go the other way, because the prop is now spinning "backwards.". Find a clear spot on the water, and practice using the prop walk to your advantage, by going forward one way and backing the other the same way the prop wants to pull the or push the stern. Once you get the hang of using the prop walk, you may learn to understand the potential for using it in "tight" situations and for turning your boat right around on its keel. Much has been written about this, try Calder's. Good luck, Stu
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