Rudder vs Leg

[Holy Shamolee]

I'm getting ready to buy another boat.
Thinking about a Shamrock, Grady or maybe a Seasport.
The Shamrocks have a rudder for steering.
Has anyone had any experience with this. Is it better than a leg for control.
Any difference at high speed or around the dock>>> God knows I could use help around the dock!
Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks
HS

 

[QC]

Re: Rudder vs Leg

I think to be more precise you really mean Inboard vs. I/O? Right? Single screw?

I/Os are usually considered more responsive to helm and throttle input as the power and the "rudder" (leg) both turn together. As an example with a true inboard at rest, with the helm hard over, when power is applied in reverse the rudder only begins to have an affect on direction after movement begins. Whereas with an I/O the propeller thrust is already applied in the direction of the helm . . . The differences are much less apparent at high speed although there is no power trim capability with a true inboard and rudder other than that which is achieved with trim tabs.

Is this the kind of comparison you mean?

 

[Holy Shamolee]

Re: Rudder vs Leg

That's the sort of info I was looking for.
I guess if a guy shuts his engine down coming into the dock he would still have steering as long as he was moving.
I see your point about not getting any steering until you start moving though.
I guess I want to know when you finally get traction due to your movement, would a guy turn a tighter circle with a rudder or a leg?
Thanks
HS

 

[Bondo]

Re: Rudder vs Leg

I guess if a guy shuts his engine down coming into the dock he would still have steering as long as he was moving.

Ayuh,... You also won't have reverse thrust to Stop with...

I guess I want to know when you finally get traction due to your movement, would a guy turn a tighter circle with a rudder or a leg?

The Outdrive wins, hand down...

 

[Ned L]

Re: Rudder vs Leg

An inboard/outboard (I/O) is certainly MUCH more maneuverable and easier to maneuver for a person with limited experience. An experienced person can handle both types of propulsion just about equally, but it takes practice & understanding. Personally, I'll go with straight inboard every time. Much simpler, less to go wrong, easier to work on, & I grew up running them so its easy for me. Now I have two 16foot powerboats now and they are both straight inboards.

 

[QC]

Re: Rudder vs Leg

I kind of agree ^^^^ , but I have an inherent problem with inefficient designs, and the fact is that inboards push down too much instead of back . . . In fact I don't like I/Os and OBs for similar reasons. 90 degree directional changes of the output shaft(s) are also inefficient, twice with an I/O and once with an OB. I guess that leaves surfacing drives as the only system that won't P me O . . .

 

[dan t.]

Re: Rudder vs Leg

twin paddle wheels, very simple and manuverable