Scout Boats
6-2
6
Chapter 6
The effects of unequal propeller thrust, wind, and current must also be kept
in mind. While wind and current may not always be present, an experienced
boater will use them to his advantage. Unequal thrust is an aspect shared
by all single engine propeller-driven watercraft. A clockwise rotation
propeller tends to cause the boat, steering in the straight ahead position, to
drift to starboard when going forward, and to port when going backward. At
high speed, this effect is usually unnoticed, but at slow speed; especially
during backing, it can be powerful. For this reason, many veteran boaters
approach the dock with the port side of the boat toward the dock, if
possible.
Stopping (checking headway) is a technique that must be developed. Since
a boat has no brakes, reverse thrust is used to slow and stop the boat. The
momentum of the boat will vary according to the load as well as the speed.
Make it a practice to slow to idle (no-wake) speed before shifting into
reverse.
Twin Engine Maneuvering
One thing to keep in mind when maneuvering with twin engine powered
boats at low speeds, is that turns are made by thrusts of power from the
engines and propeller, not by turning the outdrive unit. This means at lower
speeds, steering your boat becomes a combination of propeller direction,
engine thrusts, and steering wheel maneuvers.
To make sharp and close quarter turns, observe the following:
●
Before attempting to make close turns at low speed, bring the throttles
to idle so you can shift into reverse without damaging the engine.
●
Reverse the direction of the engine on the side you want to turn. For
example, if you want to turn starboard, shift the starboard engine into
reverse. The forward speed of the port engine, along with the reverse
rotation of the starboard engine, will pivot your boat into a starboard
turn.
●
Practice using the throttles to control the boat. You should try these
maneuvers in open water before attempting them near docks or other
boats.
It is best to learn maneuvering skills in open water away from traffic.
Adequate practice is the only way to develop your boating skills.
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