Vessel Operation
5-15
OUTBOARD MANEUVERING
Outboard boats do not have rudders. The boat uses a steering system
that directs the propeller thrust, by turning the drive unit where the
propeller is mounted.
Directing propeller energy (thrust) makes slower speed maneuvering
easier. The propeller discharge current is turned from one side to
the other which results in turning forces. Rudder boats need water
to fl ow by the rudder to be effi cient. Outboard units are designed to
have reduced shaft angle, so the propeller does not produce as much
unequal blade thrust and resistance. Large horsepower outboard boats
do produce more thrust and steering torque but your vessel has the
advantage of assisted power steering. Below is some basic information
on how outboard boats handle in normal conditions.
Gathering Headway
When a outboard drive is not moving forward or reverse in the water
and the propeller is not turning, (shift in neutral) the boat will not react
to the helm steering wheel.
As soon as the vessel is shifted into forward gear the propellers action
creates a discharge motion and generates energy in the form of thrust.
If the outboard drive is centered, the discharge motion is directed
straight back causing the vessel to advance forward.
You may notice that if you advance the throttle quickly in initial take-
off (make sure you have a fi rm grip on the wheel), the boat has a
tendency to pull the stern of the vessel to starboard. There is a trim tab
(also serves as a sacrifi cial anode) located on the vertical drive housing
just to the top of the propeller blade. This trim tab helps compensate
for the low speed steering torque. Once the boat increases headway
and the propeller is operating in a faster water fl ow this torque effect
decreases.
Sometimes the trim tab may need adjustment.Contact your Regal dealer
for further information or consult your engine manufacturer’s manual.
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