Propwalk

[J.B. Dyer]

I have a 1983 34 with a severe propwalk. Talking with one other 34 owner that I know, he has the same problem. When in reverse, this thing jumps to the port like it had thrusters. Is there anybody out there with a 34 that has found a solution to this? I have learned to deal with it, but I am sure jealous when I see other boats backing straight when in reverse

 

[Dave Mauney]

Use it?

I have a O35 which is a O34 after 1985. I also have sever propwalk. I believe that it is so sever in our design boat because we have a fin keel with a fairly flat bottom so we sit more on top of the water intead of in it. I have looked at going to a feathering prop to get away from propwalk but high price. Now looking at a three blade. All I have heard and others around me have experienced is that with a three blade there is less prop walk, but more drag during sailing. Since we cruise and don't race no big deal. I am thinking more about the prop walk now as an advantage. Planning ahead I can use the propwalk like a stern thruster. It has come in handy in some docking. Sometimes I have to back into a line of slips to use it to assist me in getting into the slip when conditions were not great. I am now weighing the more prop walk with with lower power with the stock two blade vs the increase power with the less prop walk of the the three blade. Ah, trade offs!Good Winds,Daves/v DAMWEGAS

 

[Jon]

Propwalk Mitigation

I owned an O'Day 35 for 11-years and also experienced propwalk to the port when in reverse, but was able to pretty well overcome the problem by, when the boat was stopped, putting the gear in reverse, then giving a short quick burst of engine power (just enough to start some reverse motion), then giving a couple more quick bursts of power. After the boat was moving, I could then apply steady power, and good reverse control. It's very important that the rudder is straight (not turned to port or starboard) when initiating this technique -- if it were turned one way or the other, the rudder would be in a "stall" mode and prevent the good flow of water over it that's necessary for it to do it's job of directional control.

 

[howie]

port side shuffel

Same story, bigger boat!  My 37 does the same walk to port in reverse. When backing out of our port side dock I give a good burst of power in reverse, with rudder amidships. Putting her back into neutral once shes moving good, reaching out from the cockpit to help shove away from the dock a few inches and then using the rudder to steer with short bursts of reverse if needed. Sometimes when the wind is not in your favor it does get to be a bit of a chore. Once leaving port it looked like i was doing a ten point turn! But with someone on the bow and a long boat hook or line the nose can be pushed out enough to help. When docking it is perfect for a port side landing so that gives you a 50/50 chance! I think even with a cruiser I wouldnt want any more drag from the prop, and without the winnning lottery ticket for a folding prop I have gotten used to the port side shuffel.howie~