Why is my motor off center with rudder

[SV SYLVIA]

I just bought a Gulfstar 43 center cockpit sloop. I wasn't super familiar with it but I've discovered the motor is off center on starboard side so it isn't aligned with rudder. This makes it pretty difficult pulling in slip and backing up. Does anyone know why it was built like this and any tricks to ease my maneuvering while motoring.

[meridian28]

It is off center so you can pull the shaft out

[SV SYLVIA]

Thanks, that makes sense, do u know any tricks to help with steering especially in reverse

[Jammer]

Read up on the phenomenon called "prop walk." It is that, and not the offset, that is affecting your steering in reverse. With practice it can be used to your advantage.

[SeaSon]

Yup, you just need to learn how to drive it. It's not an outboard powered runabout. With practise, you will figure it out. You will need to learn how to use lines getting on and off walls when the wind is unfavorable.

[ZULU40]

asymmetric thrust

[hkolanski]

I am not familiar with the Gulf Star design, however a Slocum has the similar design, i.e. full body keel, its probably a right hand prop, offsetting it because severe prop walk to the left. Check out YOUTUBE, and these two videos will help you understand why your prop is offset to the rudder: How to steer a sailboat in reverse - full keel, and Boat handling - prop wash - prop walk - simon jinks. your boat is fine, however maneuvering a full keel boat takes practice and plenty of space in open water to get the feel.

[JDeachman]

My Morgan 461 has the same issue. I’m still trying to figure it out. I’m already nervous about having to medmoor her someday. The other challenge is trying to spin the boat to port in tight quarters. Since the prop is offset to starboard there is no way to goose it in forward and have the wash deflect off the rudder to spin her the port.

[David M]

Think of propwalk as a stern thruster that only goes one way...and learn how to use it to your advantaqge.

[Nani Kai]

Originally Posted by SV SYLVIA

Thanks, that makes sense, do u know any tricks to help with steering especially in reverse

NautiEd publishes an excellent book "Maneuvering Your Sailboat under Power", addressing this very concern along with other tips and techniques I have found especially useful. You can find it on Amazon for about $10.

[Cheechako]

It shouldnt be an issue. As others said, learn to use "prop walk" to your advantage.

[jmschmidt]

Good advice from the respondents here. Learn how to drive it. The center cockpit leads me to think that the engine is forward and not stuffed up the transom to leave room for an aft stateroom.

My boat (Newport 41) has the engine offset to port even though it does not have an aft cabin but a enormous storage under the cockpit floor. The shaft is at a 15 degree angle to the centerline. backing to port is difficult but backing and turning to starboard is a breeze. So learn the advantages. With sufficient way on the boat it will back equally to port or starboard by getting up a little speed in reverse and then bumping the shift into neutral to steer by rudder alone. Takes practice to develop the timing when backing into a slip this way.

Big advantage, I can pull my shaft (even in the water) by removing the prop and turning the rudder a hair. The shaft will then pass out of the bearing strut and by the rudder. If in the water, I simply have someone inside the boat follow up the shaft with a piece of PVC pipe the same diameter as the shaft and then tighten down the stuffing nuts and she is water-tight again. Tie lines on the shaft and prop while do this however.

Count your blessings.

[Robert Tilbury]

SV SILVIA , Have a quick look at this vid its only 3 minuets ,,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLFVcEIct_8

It will help you no end ,
Also can you post some pictures of your new purchase iwe awould love to see her ,,,

[misfits]

Early Sabre boats in the 28'-34' all had offset prop shafts.
If your shaft exits the starboard side of you're boat you should be turning a LH prop. Personally I would confirm this so you'll know how prop walk effects backing in reverse. If you're turnng a RH prop it will make a difference.

[akprb]

Check out “docking” on blog.