In sailboats with a right-hand prop, it is easier to dock to port and back out to port. In sailboats with a left-hand prop, it is easier to dock to starboard and back out to starboard. Thus, it helps to select a slip in which your boat's prop-walk will help rather than hinder your maneuverability. How can you determine the type of prop on you sailboat?When I reverse it seems no matter which way I turn the wheel, my bow swings to starboard.
Right or left prop
- Thread starter seagull4
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You've got a rt hand prop
if bow to starboard and stern to port when backing under power. If boat is moving under power but doesn't respond to rudder, shift to neutral and drift, stops the prop walk and the rudder will work. My opinion on the best side tie slip would be one where you turn in to starboard and port side tie. When you hit reverse to stop the boat the stern is going to kick to port and you can step off. When backing out the stern is going to walk to port which is where you want it to go. Any slip with a finger pier on the outside of your turn into the slip, is easier to get into than a tie up on the inside of your turn into the slip. If there are prevailing winds, a upwind docking is easier to control than a downwind docking. Scott
if bow to starboard and stern to port when backing under power. If boat is moving under power but doesn't respond to rudder, shift to neutral and drift, stops the prop walk and the rudder will work. My opinion on the best side tie slip would be one where you turn in to starboard and port side tie. When you hit reverse to stop the boat the stern is going to kick to port and you can step off. When backing out the stern is going to walk to port which is where you want it to go. Any slip with a finger pier on the outside of your turn into the slip, is easier to get into than a tie up on the inside of your turn into the slip. If there are prevailing winds, a upwind docking is easier to control than a downwind docking. Scott
It's Not the Bow that steers.
It's the stern that swings to port in reverse. This is called "prop walk". Yanmars rotate clockwise in forward when looking at the prop. Hence, in reverse, you get a port "prop-walk". Many people try to manuever boats by the bow. One MUST remember that it's NOT the bow that steers, but the stern the steers a boat. And you need water moving across the rudder to steer the boat.
It's the stern that swings to port in reverse. This is called "prop walk". Yanmars rotate clockwise in forward when looking at the prop. Hence, in reverse, you get a port "prop-walk". Many people try to manuever boats by the bow. One MUST remember that it's NOT the bow that steers, but the stern the steers a boat. And you need water moving across the rudder to steer the boat.
how to tell
The easiest way to tell is to read the prop itself. RH means its a right-hand, and LH means something else. For those who insist on keeping dry, an alternative way is to put the boat into reverse while it's securely tied up in a slip. MAKE CERTAIN TO KEEP THE RUDDER CENTERED, SO THAT THE PROP WASH DOESN'T SLAM IT OVER. In other words, have someone hold the wheel why you conduct the test. Rev the engine to about 1500 RPM. Then, look forward amidships to determine which side the prop wash goes. A right-hand prop in reverse with the rudder centered will wash to the starboard side.
The easiest way to tell is to read the prop itself. RH means its a right-hand, and LH means something else. For those who insist on keeping dry, an alternative way is to put the boat into reverse while it's securely tied up in a slip. MAKE CERTAIN TO KEEP THE RUDDER CENTERED, SO THAT THE PROP WASH DOESN'T SLAM IT OVER. In other words, have someone hold the wheel why you conduct the test. Rev the engine to about 1500 RPM. Then, look forward amidships to determine which side the prop wash goes. A right-hand prop in reverse with the rudder centered will wash to the starboard side.
Not all Yannies are RH.
Paul: Not all Yanmars have RH props. The older YSM, YSB are LH. Most prop wash is caused by the lack of tip clearance between the prop and hull. The non-slip tip also helps eliminate prop walk one by having a slightly smaller prop and the winglets on the prop tip.
Paul: Not all Yanmars have RH props. The older YSM, YSB are LH. Most prop wash is caused by the lack of tip clearance between the prop and hull. The non-slip tip also helps eliminate prop walk one by having a slightly smaller prop and the winglets on the prop tip.
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