The Laws of Physics
Prop walk is the result of a prop rotating through unequal water density & other turbulance factors induced by the hull, etc. It doesn't matter whether you have a fixed or feathering, two or three blade, or whatever -- you will get some prop walk. The direction of the prop walk is dependent on whether the pitch is right- or left-handed. Many power boats have gone to twin props with counter rotation to cancel it out -- not practical on an auxiliary sailboat. My observation of skilled boatmen, and some personal experience, suggests that you can mitigate the effects by use of the throttle & rudder. To move forward or reverse from a dead stop (or very slow speed where there isn't enough way on to have rudder action), really "goose" the throttle to high RPMs once or twice to get way on, then steer while backing off the throttle. Maneuvering up to a dock or slip usually requires shifting back and forth in and out of forward, neutral, and reverse while simultaneously working the throttle & rudder. Just gradually increasing the throttle just seems to accentuate the prop walk -- which is OK if you are trying to move the stern laterally. Put out plenty of fenders and position the crew accordingly! --Ron
