Excessive helm under power

[Al Spencer]

I am the new owner of an O'Day 37 with a universal M40 engine and a 3 blade 17" 11 pitch prop. Under power there seems to be an excessive amount of helm. You need to relly hold the wheel to maintain course. If you let go of the wheel the boat starts and imieadate turn to port. If anyone has had this problem and has any solution I would like th here about it. Thanks Al

 

[John Finch]

Prop Walk

Al:You are experiencing Prop Walk first hand. Asimple term that includes torque, blade angle, and other mysterious phenomenon. The way I combat it, is to tighten the wheel brake, My wife hates to take the wheel after me and vice versa, but I believe there is no way--exceptiom might be a balanced rudder--to outright remedy it. You have a wonderful boat there, don't fault it for such a minor offence.Happy sailing and Keep smiling,John

 

[Justin - O'day Owner's Web]

Wheel brake and RPM

Al,As John says, what you are experiencing is prop walk. Increasing the braking function on the wheel is one solution. Also, try varrying RPM. Sometimes a slightly higher RPM will actually reduce the effect.On my boat with an outboard auxillary, it gets really bad because the thrust is way to one side trying to drive the boat in circles.Has anyone seen a difference in prop walk by moving from a large diameter two blade prop to a three blade with less diameter? It seems to me that this would help matters.Justin - O'day Owner's Web

 

[Charles Duhon]

Non-slip tips!

Kilian Propellers in San Leandro California can put non-slip tips on a prop which will eliminate prop walk!Check'em out!