Left Hand or Right - Does it make a Difference?

[Solittle]

If I were to re power and found a left hand motor, would there be any downside vs - right - assuming buying a single engine?

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Left Hand or Right - Does it make a Difference?

On paper they say it does. In reality it doesn't.

Helms were traditionaly on the starboard to counter the prop torque. Then there were center console boats that didn't know the difference. It's not uncommon at all to see a single with a left hand gearcase.

A couple months ago I saw a center console boat at the marina with a cr prop. I mentioned something about it and the guy had no idea that he had a left hand prop. Been running it for about a year. Seems like it could still find fish, no big deal.

 

[gejandsons]

Re: Left Hand or Right - Does it make a Difference?

A smaller supply of props to pick from maybe.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Left Hand or Right - Does it make a Difference?

OK, I'll reply to the last 2 posts. Realy depends on your OD (I run a 5000 lb 25ft 280 350),.
Smaller light boats will be affected..
LH props can be found cheaper on Ebay.
It makes a heck of a lot of diff on docking into a slip. RH will torque the back to the right pulling into the slip from the right (damn, controlled smash of the bow again)...LH will drive it in like it had wheels back there.
My 280 Volvo has had both, but the LH walks her right into the slip with the tide change (because of a spit and island, mostly the same..in or out) with me, and same way with a RH has me beating the hell out of the dock..need to come in from the other way...
Mostly its a weight of the boat issue...