Why the right side?

[glockdoc]

Why is it that the steering controls on most US boats are placed on the right side of the craft, and not on the left side like US cars? Same is true for aircraft, in that the ?command? seat is usually the left side of most aircraft, with the noticeable exception of helicopters. Why the right side? Inquiring minds are a terrible thing to waste!

 

[QC]

Re: Why the right side?

Why is it that the steering controls on most US boats are placed on the right side of the craft,

There are a number of explanations, but the best one for me is propeller torque. Almost all single prop drives rotate the propeller to the right which forces the boat to list to port (left) underway. If the operator is alone, him/her sitting in the starboard position helps to compensate for this. Also, I prefer to operate the throttle with my right hand while I hold the steering with the left. Just seems that I have better control this way.

Where we boat there used to be a lot of big horsepower jet drives (no propeller torque). Almost all of those have the helm to port with a throttle pedal as you are used to in your car (US). Personally I don't like them as my foot would get tired and using my left hand to engage forward and reverse was clumsy . . .

 

[dvan1901]

Re: Why the right side?

If I had to guess, I would say it is because most people (and the designers) are right handed and it's probably easier to control the throttle with they dominant hand.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Why the right side?

prop torque. there were some in the 50's early 60's on the left, but didn't do well then all most all moved to the right, better ride and stability.

 

[scoutabout]

Re: Why the right side?

I've noticed some UK boats have the helm on the left side. I wonder if this means their props turn the opposite way?

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Why the right side?

I've noticed some UK boats have the helm on the left side. I wonder if this means their props turn the opposite way?

Which way does the water swirl when flushed down the toilet?​

 

[deejaycee_2000]

Re: Why the right side?

No UK props don't turn the other way .... too be honest no one knows why most boats have their helm on the right, ... is it only USA that have left handed cars?

 

[Steve Mahler]

Re: Why the right side?

I think the mounting of the throttle makes the most sense. Although I have seen wooden boats from the 30s with right side drive and throttle controls within the steering wheel. I cant buy the prop torque idea, no one is supposed to go out on a boat alone, right? the brochure always shows one guy and two or more hot babes. that is why I bought a boat....

 

[bekosh]

Re: Why the right side?

Because you must 'give way' to a vessel approaching from the right side, the helm is placed on that side to improve visability in that direction.

Rule 15
When two power-driven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of collision, the vessel which has the other on her own starboard side shall keep out of the way and shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel.

At least that's what I was told when I took the Power Squadron safety course.

 

[QC]

Re: Why the right side?

There are a number of explanations

. . .

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Why the right side?

Tiller steered outboards were steered from the aft seat with the left hand since Hector was a pup. When gear shifts appeared, they were installed on the starboard side of the engine to be close to the left hand. When helms and shift/thottle controls were added it was easier to install them to existing controls rather than redesign the engine to put everything on the left for helm controlled engines. Anyone with a manufacturing background knows what it costs to create two versions of things that do exactly the same thing. In this example the only difference would be helm steer vs tiller steer.