Manuvering

[Jimn53MY]

So in the few instances where I've moved my boat, I've only done short idle speed maneuvering and a 5 hr run down the Atlantic (inlet to my slip is a relatively short jaunt with 3 bridges to handle so never above idle)
But we now have a more lengthy river journey planned to include going up the Mystic River to the seaport museum and I'm wondering at what RPM's could I expect rudder performance to out perform steering with throttles and transmissions like I've used in close quarters? I imagine this can vary greatly by hull design but thinking that most of the 50-60 MY's are similar?
Thanks!

 

[bigbill]

as soon as you put both engines in forward you will have better response from the rudders than from the throttles

 

[brettportzer]

If you want to see the difference the rudders make, put one in fwd and one in rev and note how quickly it turns.
Then do the same turn with the rudder hard over in that direction.
On my boat anyway, it makes a huge difference.

 

[JD5652]

At idle speed, particularly in close quarters, I NEVER use the rudders. Much better response from the transmissions in my case.

 

[Jimn53MY]

as soon as you put both engines in forward you will have better response from the rudders than from the throttles

So if I understand you, with both transmissions in forward at idle speed and above (say 600 rpm’s) the rudder is more effective at maneuvering than putting one engine in neutral or even reverse. I would have thought it would take a greater speed of water across the rudder for it to be more effective than stopping or reversing one prop.

 

[jmooney]

I never use the rudders in close maneuvers . One thing to be aware of is rudder position. Having the rudders not centered can really make things difficult.

 

[Jimn53MY]

I never use the rudders in close maneuvers . One thing to be aware of is rudder position. Having the rudders not centered can really make things difficult.

Yes I agree, close quarters, centered rudder and F/N/R to maneuver. The question is when not in close quarters at what speed does steering with the rudder become more favorable (perhaps a better term than my use of “affective” in my origin post)?

 

[Pascal]

Rudders will become effective pretty much right away and it’s not in FWD. at idle speed I usually turn with rudders only even for tight 90 degrees turn into a fairway. One reason is that I find most passengers not familiar with twins get jumpy when they hear and feel one engine getting into reverse.

When pivoting with gears, using the rudders speeds up the maneuver.

Why not use all the tools at your disposal?

 

[SKYCHENEY]

A rudder handle like you see on some single screws that self centers would really be the best of both worlds.

 

[bigbill]

i may have misunderstood your question. as soon as the boat is moving forward you will have good response from the rudders. if trying to dock or in tight quarters the gears will be the best as there is not much water flow over the rudders

 

[SKYCHENEY]

The rudders are small on most Hatteras. I added 35% more blade area to my new rudders.

 

[Jimn53MY]

The rudders are small on most Hatteras. I added 35% more blade area to my new rudders.

. Just welded on or purchased larger rudders?

 

[Jimn53MY]

A rudder handle like you see on some single screws that self centers would really be the best of both worlds.

As it so happens I upgraded my autopilot control to a Raymarine ST8002 because it has a rudder centering function (single button press).

 

[SKYCHENEY]

. Just welded on or purchased larger rudders?

Had new fabricated

 

[madhatter1]

I could have added to your originals with JB Weld. I’m a JB Weld top pro.

 

[Pascal]

The rudders on my 53 look small but have plenty of authority even on one engine. When starting on one engine, the boat will initially start turning on the dead engine but the rudders will very quickly get the boat back on track.

 

[Sadey]

The auto center would be an excellent option. Wish Garmin had that.

 

[carolinacoast]

When managing near obstructions in current, I use Transmissions, throttle and centered rudders.

 

[whoover]

I had the raymarine with auto center and I think I only used it once at the dock to check for function. I found that by the time I had entered a channel or fairway the rudders were centered. The position indicator was nice for checking.

Walt Hoover

 

[SKYCHENEY]

I could have added to your originals with JB Weld. I’m a JB Weld top pro.

I've still got the old ones.