COUNTER ROTATING OUTBOARDS

[thecaptain]

On twin outboards,( counter rotating )does the starboard engine always have the right hand turning prop ?

 

[grandx]

Re: COUNTER ROTATING OUTBOARDS

The general setup is right hand "standard" rotation on the Starboard side. I'm not sure why. I have counter rotating mercs and this is how mine are set up. Why do you ask? I've wondered what the effect would be if they were reversed.

 

[thecaptain]

Re: COUNTER ROTATING OUTBOARDS

grandex, When pulling into a dock on my port side if I reverse both engines to pull the stern towards the dock I get nowhere. If I just reverse my starboard engine or just goose my port engine forward , this should kick in the stern. this scenario takes place with the dock facing E/W and the wind blowing from the South.

 

[grandx]

Re: COUNTER ROTATING OUTBOARDS

Read your last post several times, not sure I understand exactly. I've not had any problem (in a while) positioning my boat near docks or trailering, just takes some practice. For sharp turns bow to port, starboard engine forward port reverse. To move the stern port, steer the engines (stern) toward target push starboard forward for best results, Vise Versa of course... Not sure how swapping the engines will help docking. Bottom line is twins will turn better than singles any day....and I don't think it has much to do with them being counter rotating, just the fact that they are positioned off center and can oppose each other forward/reverse. I'd leave the engines where they are and practice in the open water, in no time you'll have it figured out. There are certain docking scenerios I prefer and I try to achieve them when approaching...

 

[zzzzz]

Re: COUNTER ROTATING OUTBOARDS

its only a single but try this simulator: Docking Simulator

 

[Dhadley]

Re: COUNTER ROTATING OUTBOARDS

Turning the props in or out affects stern lift. For years it was just accepted that the standard (right hand) rotation drive went on the starboard side. On twin engine tunnel boats we run the counter (left hand rotation) on the starboard side.<br /><br />Back in the mid to late 80's we started putting the counter on the starboard side of V bottoms. Especially outboards mounted on a bracket or on pad bottom boats with a step transom. <br /><br />Its not unusual to gain 1 to 2 mph on a V bottom putting the counter on the starboard side. It just requires switching the gearcases unless you have the early OMC counter set up. Try it and see what happens.<br /><br />Also on multiple engine set ups the "toe" (where the units are pointed) has a LOT to do with performance and water pressure.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[Vdub144]

Re: COUNTER ROTATING OUTBOARDS

That simulator is great! Much tougher than the real thing - methinks... But then I tried to teach my wife how to dock our pontoon last night. I figure the pier can probably take 5 or 6 more hits that hard. <br /><br />"But you said to move the throttle UP to go backwards!" (Doh! *No* I did not... )

 

[sony2001]

Re: COUNTER ROTATING OUTBOARDS

THECAPTAIN, I believe with counterrotating props the regular engine is port and the counter engine is on the right side. More thrust comes off the right side of the prop than the left side. The counter engine reverses that. In combination the greatest thrust is produced directly behind the center of the keel. Reversing the engines shouldn't have an effect on docking but more at high speed.

 

[JerseyJim]

Re: COUNTER ROTATING OUTBOARDS

that simulator is pretty hard...i must have smacked the dock 10 times before i got it backed into the far slip... and i consider myself pretty good at docking... hrmf