Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.
I was wondering how all of you steer under power. I haven't done it yet but having given it some thought, it seems to me that if you were to turn the rudder enough it could hit the outboard's prop. Not having my rudder on the boat just now, I don't know if it could reach the prop. Anyway, do you steer with the rudder or the outboards tiller ? Or maybe some of each ? I appreciate your patients. Thanks.
The prop hitting the rudder depends on where your motor is mounted. On my '89 I can go full throw on the rudder and it does not hit the prop.
As for steering under power, it really depends on how tight the area is where you are maneuvering. In tight areas I use both motor and rudder. If you have more room you can get by using just the rudder as long as you have some headway.
When backing out of my slip I use both rudder and motor to swing the boat around quickly and get underway. Once underway and then again when coming back into my slip I use the rudder only.
Under way, steering with the rudder is much easier and completely effective. In fact, if you try to steer with the motor while under way, you'll probably be surprised by how easily it over-steers, making a steady course or gradual turn difficult.
Around the dock, turning the motor can help you maneuver at low or no speed, although you generally also want to turn the rudder so it isn't a drag against the motor. When backing, you have to hold the rudder to keep it from being pushed full-over where it becomes a brake instead of a rudder. I don't remember it ever contacting the prop. (There would have been evidence.)
I set the motor's steering damper, which makes the motor harder or easier to turn, just tight enough that it would hold the position under way but be easy to turn when I wanted. While under way, I'd adjust the motor slightly until the unattended tiller was centered ("neutral helm") while on a straight course, and from there, steer with the rudder.
Dave Bristle Association "Port Captain" for Mystic/Stonington CT PO of 1985 C-25 SR/FK #5032 Passage, USCG "sixpack" (expired), Now on Eastern 27 $+!nkp*+ Sarge
keep in mind that there isn't much point in moving the tiller/rudder beyond about 45º in forward or reverse motion. The rudder stalls and has little turning force.
Dave B. aboard Pearl 1982 TR/SK/Trad. #3399 Lake Erie/Florida Panhandle
Yes, I agree, I mostly just use tiller steering. But steering with the motor has gotten me out of a few jams in the marina fairways. Sometimes a quick turn of the motor, with a short bust of throttle is just what you need to get back on track. And no, no issue with the rudder touching the motor. But here is my dilemma: my Nisan 8 hp outboard is stuck in the straight on position. It takes EXTREME effort to pivot it either way. The main shaft going down has quite a bit of rust on it but otherwise the motor works fine. I've spent some time trying to service it with WD-40 and marine lube. And of course have backed off completely the bolt that tensions it, but no improvement. So here are my questions: how unsafe is it to have it 'frozen' straight ahead? I think if I stay out of those dicey situations it could be fine. And do you think that an outboard shop could repair it? I guess I could take it in for a look. I'd hate to have to go the third route and bite the bullet for a new motor. Any advice is appreciated.
Phredde--one thing to keep in mind for close-order maneuvering is "prop-walk". At very low or no speed, gunning the motor in forward will push the stern to starboard, turning the boat to port. Gunning it in reverse pulls the stern to port. Sometimes you can use this to advantage to turn the boat, and often it helps to be familiar with this to avoid unexpected behavior. When I approach my slip, which is on starboard and which I enter bow-in, I shift to reverse while moving forward, give a little gas, and the boat both slows and starts pivoting to starboard (stern to port) as it comes to a stop. I also know that as I enter, reverse will pull my stern toward the finger dock on port, and forward will push it away. Knowing that and practicing it can make a big difference in close-order maneuvering. It's another aspect of "steering under power."
Dave Bristle Association "Port Captain" for Mystic/Stonington CT PO of 1985 C-25 SR/FK #5032 Passage, USCG "sixpack" (expired), Now on Eastern 27 $+!nkp*+ Sarge
I don't understand the rust, marine engine's shouldn't have heavy rust but definitely use the PB Blaster. The zerk fittings are probably frozen and won't accept grease so remove them (they unscrew) and soak them in some Blaster then spray Blaster in the zerk fitting holes and work the engine from side to side. This might take repeating but it should loosen up. Once you get it loose clean the zerk fittings by pushing the little ball on the end in and out. Once those are clean replace them and with a grease gun grease it up good. If you can't get the zerk fitting working any auto store will have replacements.
Scott-"IMPULSE"87'C25/SR/WK/Din.#5688 Sailing out of Glen Cove,L.I Sound
I wouldn't waste 1 minute messing with the zerk fittings. For less than $10 you can replace them with new and save 30 minutes of your time that you could use for sailing.
Guys - thank you for the recommendation on PB Blaster. It removed quite a bit of rust from the main rod that the engine swivels on. It is still not moving freely, but is unstuck. I am going to let it rest and give it another round. That should help delay the expense of a new motor for at least another year or two. Thanks again!
Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ. The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.