A prop-walk issue

[ChristianSailing]

Vessel: 1974 Irwin Mark VI
LOA: 28.5
Summary: I have a Yamaha 9.9 mounted on the starboard side of the transom. When I “reverse”, the stern pulls severely to port. I have little to no control via the rudder. This is a real problem when docking and anchoring.
Any suggestions aside from losing the outboard and/or moving it?
Thanks,
Bryan

[Jeff_H]

Turn the outboard slightly to starboard and lock it there.

[Minnewaska]

I have pretty notable prop walk until the rudder becomes effective after she gets moving. I just set up so that the boat needs to be moved in the direction the prop will move her.

[centaursailor]

I use the reverse propwalk to bring the stern alongside when I pull up to the Quay or another boat. Theres a fair kick to port in reverse and this can be useful if taken into account.
Safe sailing

[Barquito]

If you have access to the OB tiller handle, you should be able to steer the OB until you get enough speed for the rudder to steer.

[dnf777]

Do you have any steerage via tiller handle or is it locked?

Like Centaur said, you can learn to use it to your advantage, or you can cant to starboard slightly to offset reverse prop walk. You would then need to hold a little helm when motoring, and accept a little loss of efficiency. You'll find a happy medium somewhere.

[beej67]

I've never driven a boat that responds under tiller control in reverse, and I'm glad my boat does have some prop walk, because otherwise I wouldn't be able to dock it properly.

Prop walk is a great tool if you plan properly. I can hank my rudder over to one side, and spin my boat in circles (in place) by nudging it from forward to reverse and back. Very useful.

[Silvio]

You have an outboard, turn the motor and drive the boat in whatever direction you need to go in reverse. Prop walk should only be an issue with an inboard. It may take some practice or repositioning where you sit but you should be able to kick the outboard over and keep the rudder controlled in the process.

Practice where you aren't in a tight spot and are less likely to hit another boat.

Good luck.

[Minnewaska]

Originally Posted by Silvio

You have an outboard, turn the motor and drive the boat in whatever direction you need to go in reverse. Prop walk should only be an issue with an inboard. It may take some practice or repositioning where you sit but you should be able to kick the outboard over and keep the rudder controlled in the process.

Practice where you aren't in a tight spot and are less likely to hit another boat.

Good luck.

Much more controllable than an inboard, but outboards can fight prop walk too. I've had outboards turned full deflection against their natural prop walk and essentially back up straight. Sounds effective, unless you were actually hoping to turn in the direction of the deflection and assumed the motor would pull you there.

In the end, prop walk has to be understood and managed.

Practice is the way to go. My fav is a fairly empty mooring field and use a bouy as your reference.

[cb32863]

Another vote for steering with the motor. Works great on a Pearson 26 I sail.