Strong Prop Wash

[mfclark]

We''ve just purchased a 1969 Cal-Jensen 34. It has a 21HP Universal Diesel with a 2 to 1 reduction and a 14X16 RH prop. The tiller pulls significantly to Stbd under power only. Is this normal or is there a way to lessen the pull?

[dpboatnut]

It sounds like the boat has an offset prop, instead of it being on center.

This is sometimes done where the designer decides not to cut an apperture into a keel with an attached rudder, or to make the motor installation more simple by eliminating the longer shaftlog. From an owner''s point of view, shaft removal or replacement is easier. But lost is the ability to spin the boat by quick power bursts blowing directly on the rudder.

Aside from the sideways pull under power, there are probably offsetting sail performance attributes. A rudder on center can be locked vertically (2-blader) and will be masked by the keel and offer less resistance. But it will create more turbulent water for the rudder, which inhibits the laminar flow required for high-speed, high-rudder-angle control. An offset prop is always out in the waterflow, but can almost never effect the boat''s rudder.

On my boat, I use a tiller pilot to offset the pull (ha!).

Good luck with yours,
-Chad