Prop wash and leaving the berth short-handed

[B310Racer]

Originally Posted by Dockhead

Will a rudder be LESS effective if put hard over at low speed? Because it stalls?

This is news to me. If it's true, then it's very valuable knowledge.

Yes and Yes.

[StuM]

Originally Posted by B310Racer

Yes and Yes.

Generally, but it can depend on the steering design and how far it can swing. (Think: tiller driven constrained by arc inside cockpit for instance)

[Snore]

Originally Posted by StuM

Generally, but it can depend on the steering design and how far it can swing. (Think: tiller driven constrained by arc inside cockpit for instance)

I maneuver a 180 in tight quarters at less than 1.5kts. While the rudder is less effective - I feel the trick is to know how hard you can turn before it stalls. I can turn a 33' boat in almost her own length... No current and marginal wind.

Best tip is reverse to gain sternway and then neutral. Gunning the engine is never a safe move. Rule #1 of docking---- never move faster than the amount of damage you want to pay for.


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[Group9]

Here's an idea that a harbor master suggested to me once. I took his advice and it made me a better boat handler.

Wait for a calm windless day. Get one friend to stand by with a boat hook on the dock to give you confidence (and push and pull you as you learn to keep from hitting anything.)

And, then just practice going in and out of that slip over and over again, until you start to get the hang of it. No pressure, no guests on board. No wind (after you get hang of no wind, pick a windy day and do the same thing).

Just you learning about your boat and how it handles. You'll like the way it feels when you to start to master it.

[MIRELOS]

Cheechako has it right, I learned that watching the lobster boats backing into their slips