Section 9
9-8
Steering
Steering a boat is very different from steering an automobile. Steering and
maneuvering a boat is far more difficult and requires time and practice to master.
When steering a boat, it is important to understand the causes and effects of
turning. Since both thrust and steering are at the stern of the boat, the stern will
push away from the direction the steering wheel (helm) is turned. The boat seems
to skid across the water while turning, which feels very different from an
automobile making a turn.
Steering in reverse has its own challenges. You should practice forward and
reverse steering to gain comfort and to feel in control of your boat in any steering
situation. All boats pull to starboard when in reverse. Turning the rudder hard to
port will not always cause the boat to turn to port. Forward thrust may be required
with the rudder turned hard starboard to get the stern moving to port and then shift
into reverse to turn to port.
You should also be prepared for wind and current while steering your boat.
Steering in wind or water currents is difficult and requires skill to be able to
anticipate and compensate for these effects.
Rotational thrust of the propeller is an aspect most propeller-driven boats share
and needs to be compensated for at slow speeds. During rotational thrust, torque
is transmitted to the helm and may cause the boat to drift either port or starboard
when moving forward at a slow speed. Rotational thrust usually goes unnoticed at
high speeds. While moving forward at a slow speed, constant helm corrections
may be necessary to maintain a straight course.
All rudders are designed to help reduce steering effort by pulling starboard
(right-hand pull) at all speeds.
Supreme_2018.book Page 8 Wednesday, January 31, 2018 9:30 AM
To Next Page
Loading...
