steering in reverse?

[CharlieCobra]

I'd say the best tip is to never back down any faster than the speed at which you'd want to hit something.

[Faster]

Originally Posted by CharlieCobra

I'd say the best tip is to never back down any faster than the speed at which you'd want to hit something.

While there's a certain logic to that, Charlie, often the boat will handle better at some speed, and be less susceptible to cross breeze effects etc.

I'm not suggesting you barrel in backwards at 5 knots, of course, but better than dead slow will usually get better results. The good news is that forward gear "brakes" are the most effective, even with a folding prop.

[sailingdog]

You really need to watch the flow of water past the hull and not try steering until the boat is actually making progress through the water in reverse. The suggestion to use short bursts of power and leave the engine in neutral most of the time is one I'd highly recommend as well. Watch out for making too much speed in reverse, since as Bajamars points out, the rudder will usually load up and slam to one side or the other.

[labatt]

Originally Posted by Faster

Labatt knows this because, as beautiful as she is, his boat is one of those that really doesn't like to back up straight !

Yep - Perry describes the keel on our Passport 40 as a slightly extended fin. I describe it as a full keel wannabee. Whatever it is, it hates backing up in a straight line, although using the burst/neutral method I can get decent steerageway.

[Sailormann]

Basically, the boat went whereever it wanted with no regard whatsoever for the rudder or my screaming.

That is why we refer to boats as "she"

[Amegednon]

All sailboats have this problem more or less, in a tight spot in your marina speed my not be practical, prop walk and many short forward and backward manuvers maybe best. Your type of prop can have alot of effect, I find three bladed props have better backing ability than two bladed.