dbkerley
Chief Petty Officer
- Joined
- Apr 6, 2009
- Messages
- 443
Re: Boat Wonder
Most of what I have read on here is boat handling 101. You have to remember that you do not steer the bow of a boat like a car. You actually more direct the stern to push the bow in the direction you want to go.
There is no part of the vessel that has a gripping connection to the water. (as opposed to tires on the road) Imagine that you are driving your car on the slickest ice you can find and that is comparable to piloting a boat. At slow speeds that pressure differential on the bow causes it to react in differing ways with each wave or pressure change. Aim the bow at a distant point and try to keep it tracking to within a few degress of the point you chose.
Most of the time I find myself traveling slightly sideways when I get the boat settled into a low speed track. If I sailed due north by compass heading, that wouldn't mean I would make landfall due north of my original position. You have to account for drift. This wandering that everyone discusses here is simply drift with overcompensation. It is much easier to feel at low speeds.
Everyone should spend some time sailing before getting a power boat. Sailing imparts an understanding of currents and the forces of the water that are often overlooked by power boaters. Besides it is just so quiet and peaceful.
Most of what I have read on here is boat handling 101. You have to remember that you do not steer the bow of a boat like a car. You actually more direct the stern to push the bow in the direction you want to go.
There is no part of the vessel that has a gripping connection to the water. (as opposed to tires on the road) Imagine that you are driving your car on the slickest ice you can find and that is comparable to piloting a boat. At slow speeds that pressure differential on the bow causes it to react in differing ways with each wave or pressure change. Aim the bow at a distant point and try to keep it tracking to within a few degress of the point you chose.
Most of the time I find myself traveling slightly sideways when I get the boat settled into a low speed track. If I sailed due north by compass heading, that wouldn't mean I would make landfall due north of my original position. You have to account for drift. This wandering that everyone discusses here is simply drift with overcompensation. It is much easier to feel at low speeds.
Everyone should spend some time sailing before getting a power boat. Sailing imparts an understanding of currents and the forces of the water that are often overlooked by power boaters. Besides it is just so quiet and peaceful.