Backing Deck Boat

[four winns 214]

I have a 2002 Four Winns 214 Funship deck boat with a Duo Prop drive. I'm having a hell of a time backing this boat with precise control. When I back the boat and cut the wheel to try to swing the bow around, the boat responds by translating sideways.

I also have a 1984 Sea Ray 210 SRV. When I back that boat, it responds just as I expect.

The difference between the boats is that the Sea Ray has a conventional V-hull and the Four Winns has a typical deck boat hull design with less dead rise. The Four Winns also has the Duo Prop drive while the Sea Ray has a conventional single prop drive.

Anybody out there with a similar boat that give me some hints about effectively backing this dang thing?

I have also posted this to the Trailer Boats forum.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Backing Deck Boat

Duo-props are great for close quarters handling. Funny your Sea Ray handles better for you. Try turning the wheel before you apply power and then give a little more power than you think it should take. You can always back off if you need to. If you need to shift the helm to the other direction, come off the power to clutch speed, shift direction, and then re-apply power. The key is to get the stern moving in the direction you want it to go quickly. I/O's don't back well from side to side under constant power. Learning to use the throttle effectively is just as important as steering. Duo-props tend to do better, but they still need a little help. Good luck.

 

[four winns 214]

Re: Backing Deck Boat

Well, it must the hull design that's the issue between the boats. I'm familiar with the techniques you suggest and I've tried practicing. The boat just doesn't respond as I expect.

 

[MRS]

Re: Backing Deck Boat

I just pick up a four winns 86 candia 190 love the boat but it did the same thing I thought is was me. Tried different things but it always went sideways
also was real windy that day. Still love the hull design lots of room.

 

[CaptainKev]

Re: Backing Deck Boat

At last......I found somebody that has the same problem as my boat. Look at my post in the Regal threads. I have a 2008 Regal 2400 with the Volvo 5.7 GI and the Duo-prop Penta out drive. Neither the dealer,Volvo, or Regal would admit there was any kind of issue with reversing. I've been boating for over 30 years and I've never seen a boat behave like this. However, you can work around it. Drowned Rat suggestions are good. I find that if I turn the wheel in the direction that I want the stern to go, then pop it into reverse, blip the throttle to about 2500 RPM it will respond. To change direction, pop the drive into forward at idle to stop the rearward momentum. Put the drive back to neutral, spin the wheel quickly to your intended path and put the drive into reverse and repeat the process. I've contemplated putting a "suicide knob" on the wheel but I can't find one that isn't 60's themed. Find a quiet spot and play around for while. Good Luck.

 

[MRS]

Re: Backing Deck Boat

They had the suicide knobs in the truck stops all different kinds. But I haven't looked lately to see if they still carry them. Thanks for the tips......

 

[allinmygarage]

Re: Backing Deck Boat

They have suicide knobs at all tractor supply places. Also have them at john deere dealerships i know. They are awesome on my lawn tractor

 

[four winns 214]

Re: Backing Deck Boat

Well, it's nice to hear some folks other than me have dealt with this problem. As a side note.... I had "the expert" on the boat last fall. He was going to show me how to back the boat. All I can say is I'm glad I had a good dock pole on board!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Backing Deck Boat

every boat handles differently, you just have to learn what your boat will and will not do.