Steering in reverse

[R Kolb]

I am new to sailing. We have a Catalina 22 with a Honda 8hp outboard. What is the best way to back out of the slip - using the rudder to steer or using the motor to steer? Thanks.

 

[Mike Turner]

Personal Opinion: Use the Motor

We had a Catalina 25 with retractable keel and a 9hp outboard on the transom. We were in a marina with very narrow fairways in between the slips; we probably had only about 30' or so between the stern of our boat and the sterns of the boats in the opposing slips. I found it best to have the keel down and use the outboard for directional control. The boat seemed to turn on a dime around the keel, and I thought the prop pulling/pushing the stern around was more controlable than using the rudder alone (I usually used the rudder in conjunction with turning the outboard, but that was more to keep from getting whacked with the tiller than anything else). I was also more comfortable with being "hands on" the outboard to control forward/reverse gear shifting. I'd usually back straight out of the slip until the bow cleared the outer pilings, then still backing up put the outboard (and tiller) over to square myself up in the fairway facing open water. When needed I could quickly shift from reverse to forward gear and put the outboard/tiller down to "smartly" square things up.Practice a bit, and have fun!Mike TurnerS/Y AmityLong Beach, CA

 

[LaDonna Bubak - CatalinaOwners.com]

By hand

I always preferred walking the boat out by hand & getting her lined up. Of course this was during the days of the crappy outboard that wouldn't lock, therefore would jump up when in reverse. But I always felt like I had more control in case of an odd current or whatever. Also depends on the setup in your marina - I was lucky to have plenty of room all around.LaDonna

 

[jeff #14640]

i use both

i find that using both the tiller and the motor in conjunction works well, it is fast response. one caution, dont turn the tiller one way and the motor the other or you may be posting for suggestions on fiberglass repair. good luck. jeff.

 

[Pete Staehling]

Me too

I also tend to use both tiller and motor when backing. Around here we back into the slip and pull out though. Regional preference, I guess.Pete

 

[R Kolb]

Thanks!

Thanks for the responses. We're going sailing tonight and will try to use both the tiller and motor for steering. I must say that if it works I will miss seeing the other boat owners scrambling up the dock as we drift towards their boats! Randy