Steer using rudder or outboard?
- Thread starter paddy4699
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If I am just puttering out to sail, I steer with the rudder on my Oday 23. That's the way the craft was designed to be steered, and its easier than leaning over the transom. I can steer with my feet, knees, elbow or any other part of my body, and I can also ask someone else to steer for me without changing seats. I do steer with the outboard too, but only if I need extra manuverability. For example, I often use both the tiller and the outboard when docking. The ability to point the prop means the boat can almost rotate on her axis, something that can make the owner of even the most luxurious yachts jealous of me, especially in tight corners. I most often steer with the outboard when leaving my slip when its windy. By pointing the prop off center, I am able to back straight out of the slip, even when the wind is trying to push me into the neighboring pilings.
Either, depending
Matt
I used to steer with the outboard when is slow speed situations, like when backing out of the slip or maneuvering around the marina. Once the boat moves fast enough for the rudder to be effective that became the preferred tool for steering. The only adjustments I used to make were to ensure that the boat would go straight on its own.
Matt
I too used the outboard for control when backing, and for very tight turning as HukilauMike suggests. Never in forward.....
I think with practice you will find that you have your own routine, but backing will probably be the only time you grab the motor tiller for steering.
I think with practice you will find that you have your own routine, but backing will probably be the only time you grab the motor tiller for steering.
The most effective use of the power is using both at the same time. But, that take more arm power so be lazy when you can. But, when backing, be very careful if your rudder is in the water. It will want to swing around HARD and do some damage. Last season, first sail, I wasn't paying attention. I juiced the motor and the tiller swung back hard, pinned my legs and was taking the boat in the wrong direction so I pushed back hard to correct the situation quickly. The tiller quickly snapped off and the situation went really wrong. A tossed line from the dock and 10 minutes with a saw (aka steak knife) and a cordless drill, we were on our way with a shorter tiller. So, be careful AND gentle.
Origniallly the description did not give us alot of information as to experience and specfically why the question was asked. Although many good responses, can you further explain so the folks here can help you better?
crazy dave condon
crazy dave condon
My outboard was bolted to only run in a straight line and made things less complicated.I have followed this with the electric motor I am running now.
On my Catalina 22 I did as others have stated, used the outboard for slow, tight, boat handling, then switched to the rudder for cruising.
When I got my H260, the outboard was fixed in place with a rod. It was also hung on the extreme starboard side of the transom. The boat was almost impossible to handle at slow speeds. I replaced the fixed rod with a link to my rudder. Now my outboard and rudder turn together and the boat is manageable.
As dscribner states, keep a firm hand on the tiller when turning with the outboard. Not only can a free swinging tiller club you hard, but on many small boats, the rudder and the prop can come in contact with each other. I found it best to hold the rudder center line when backing and turning with the outboard.
When I got my H260, the outboard was fixed in place with a rod. It was also hung on the extreme starboard side of the transom. The boat was almost impossible to handle at slow speeds. I replaced the fixed rod with a link to my rudder. Now my outboard and rudder turn together and the boat is manageable.
As dscribner states, keep a firm hand on the tiller when turning with the outboard. Not only can a free swinging tiller club you hard, but on many small boats, the rudder and the prop can come in contact with each other. I found it best to hold the rudder center line when backing and turning with the outboard.
The 4hp on my C 22 had no reverse and the only way to go back was to rotate the motor to point in the direction desired.
As most have said, you will learn to use both to steer, especially when vector thrust force is needed to manuver in tight places.
It can make docking in a tight spot like having a thruster on large vessel.
As most have said, you will learn to use both to steer, especially when vector thrust force is needed to manuver in tight places.
It can make docking in a tight spot like having a thruster on large vessel.
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