| Of all the maneuvers that a Captain performs, perhaps | | | | against the rudder when the props are engaged |
| the most useful and oft repeated is moving his twin | | | | ahead. When in reverse the rudders have little effect |
| screw vessel sideways. And one of the greatest | | | | on the stern unless enough sternway is developed to |
| satisfactions come when an onlooker makes a | | | | push the rudders. SO: |
| comment about bow or stern thrusters only to | | | | The person behind you pushes on your right cheek, |
| discover the vessel that just slipped sideways so | | | | (Starboard forward), pulls on your left cheek, (Port |
| smartly, has no thrusters at all. Most twin screws | | | | reverse), while swinging your rear to the right, (helm to |
| boats are capable of this maneuver at least to some | | | | Port). Result: a very dramatic turn to the Port. This |
| degree. The following is a simple technique that you | | | | maneuver along with throttling each engine judiciously |
| can use to master this professional looking procedure. | | | | can result in turning the vessel about in its own length. |
| First Visualization: When you turn the helm to Port with | | | | The Port prop is pulling the bow to Port, the Starboard |
| power ahead, you are actually telling the stern to | | | | prop is pushing the bow to Port, and the Starboard |
| move to Starboard, as the prop wash is actually | | | | prop wash hitting the Starboard rudder is pushing the |
| flowing against the rudder and pushing it and the boats | | | | stern to Starboard making the vessel turn very tightly |
| stern in that direction. When turning the helm to | | | | to Port, the Port rudder having very little if any affect |
| Starboard with power ahead, the stern moves to Port. | | | | because there is not enough sternway developed due |
| Now, imagine then that someone is standing behind | | | | to the forward Starboard propulsion. |
| you with their hands in both of your back jeans | | | | Now, turn the helm to Starboard, now the Starboard |
| pockets and you are leaning slightly forward. If they | | | | prop is washing against its rudder pushing the stern to |
| move your rear end to the right while pushing you | | | | the port side, meanwhile the combination of Port |
| forward the effect is that you are turn to the left. | | | | reverse and Starboard ahead is pushing and pulling the |
| Move the rear to the left and you turn to the right. | | | | bow to the port side. Result: the whole vessel moves |
| Simple, that's how you steer when going ahead. Note; | | | | sideways to Port. |
| you can steer a twin screw boat going ahead on one | | | | Reverse the Starboard, forward the Port and turn the |
| engine alone, if you want to go to Port, engage only | | | | helm to Starboard, the vessel moves to Starboard. |
| the Starboard prop, and turn the helm to Port and the | | | | The person with their hands in your pocket can |
| stern moves to Starboard relatively quickly. To turn to | | | | simulate this maneuver very graphically. |
| Starboard, turn the helm to Starboard, (the rudder | | | | Summary: Reverse the side you want to walk |
| actually turns to Port), engage the Port prop and the | | | | towards, forward the other side and turn the helm |
| stern moves to Port. Simple, but it is important that you | | | | toward the side in forward gear. Fine tune the |
| understand this principle particularly the more rudder | | | | maneuver by adjusting the throttles and the degree of |
| degree you apply the more dramatic the movement | | | | rudder. |
| of the stern. Conclusion: The rudder swings the stern | | | | Now practice. It is advised that you take your vessel |
| opposite the direction you turn the helm. | | | | into open water and fix points fore and aft of your |
| Second Visualization: Again someone has their hands | | | | vessel as a reference point, and practice over and |
| in your back pockets and you are slightly bent over. | | | | over again until you find the 'sweet spot' for your boat. |
| Now imagine that each of their hands is actually a | | | | Maybe find a buoy or some other floating object to |
| propeller. If they push on your right cheek, (Starboard | | | | practice near so you can develop your skill. |
| propulsion ahead), and pull on your left cheek, (Port | | | | Remember that all boats vary somewhat depending |
| propulsion astern), it swings your head, (bow) to the | | | | upon the depth of the hull, keel or whether or not the |
| left. This is referred to as crossing transmissions, one | | | | props are partially enclosed in tunnels. Most boats will |
| ahead and one astern. Conclusion: Crossing | | | | require slight adjustments to the above procedure. |
| transmissions swings the bow toward the side of the | | | | Start with idle propulsion and practice, practice, and |
| reverse gear. | | | | practice. Before you know it you'll be walking your |
| Now remember, the rudders are behind the props and | | | | boat like a pro. Meanwhile your buddies at the marina |
| vessels stern swing is a result of water pushing | | | | will be wondering, "Where are your thrusters? |