I am nearing closure on a deal to trade in my '96 Hunter 280 (great boat but too small for a family of 4) for a 1990 35.5. I loved the way the boat sails - points up better (it seemed) than my more modern rig and we did 5.5 knots close-hauled in about 10 knots of wind. But, as we motored back (on the test sail), she pulled to Port while motoring fairly hard. If I let go of the wheel, we'd start into a turn. I'm not used to this with my 28' boat and havnen't experienced it in other larger boats, but I haven't motored that many. Is this just prop walk or is there probably something wrong with the prop or prop trim? Thanks. By the way, under sail, no pull at all. I let go of the wheel for a full 10 seconds upwind and she kept tracking perfectly.
Prop walk on 35.5
- Thread starter Dipboye
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probably not prop walk
The only time you would really notice prop walk would be at a very slow boat speed when power is applied in reverse gear. The stern will then pull to port. This can obviously be quite useful for docking or turning in tight quarters when used to your advantage. While motoring at speed my 35.5 will only hold a heading for so long if you let go of the wheel before starting a turn but that is not uncommon for a fin keel/spade rudder combination. Was there any wind and/or sea condition that would have made the boat consistently turn to port?
The only time you would really notice prop walk would be at a very slow boat speed when power is applied in reverse gear. The stern will then pull to port. This can obviously be quite useful for docking or turning in tight quarters when used to your advantage. While motoring at speed my 35.5 will only hold a heading for so long if you let go of the wheel before starting a turn but that is not uncommon for a fin keel/spade rudder combination. Was there any wind and/or sea condition that would have made the boat consistently turn to port?
Mine too
Humm, interesting. I have noticed my H320 does the same. The "walk" to port is VERY noticeable when motoring fast. I will be watching for more responses to see if this is not right, my last boat was an outboard. Gary
Humm, interesting. I have noticed my H320 does the same. The "walk" to port is VERY noticeable when motoring fast. I will be watching for more responses to see if this is not right, my last boat was an outboard. Gary
Common torque
in direction opposite to rotation of the propeller. Power boats, especially stern drive untis, have trim tabs that can be set to counter the force and equalize the steering albeit sail boats do not. And, i agree, it's not "prop walk".
in direction opposite to rotation of the propeller. Power boats, especially stern drive untis, have trim tabs that can be set to counter the force and equalize the steering albeit sail boats do not. And, i agree, it's not "prop walk".
Mine did same thing
Owned a 1990 35.5 for seven seasons. She did the same thing. A friend with same boat also had the same problem. Seems to be somewhat isolated to the 35.5. Many friends with 37.5 of same vintage did not have the problem. My friend did some fairing of his rudder. Helped but did not eliminate it. I just learned to live with it.
Owned a 1990 35.5 for seven seasons. She did the same thing. A friend with same boat also had the same problem. Seems to be somewhat isolated to the 35.5. Many friends with 37.5 of same vintage did not have the problem. My friend did some fairing of his rudder. Helped but did not eliminate it. I just learned to live with it.
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