more steering control from a single screw

[JSTSTRD]

i was wondering if there is anything I can do to my drive to give owoobetter control of my boat. I have a 26 foot cruisers with a 10 foot beam. It has a bravo 1 drive 454 mercruiser. I am all bow. I have a hard time pulling out and into the slip and controlling the boat at idle.<br /><br />Ant suggestions? Can the lower unit be modified to a duoprop set up?

 

[prockvoan]

Re: more steering control from a single screw

Only thing that I can think of is shift weight around in the boat.Other then that,bow thrusters!

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: more steering control from a single screw

That's alot of boat with a single screw and a 10' beam to manuever, espiecially if you get some wind involved. I don't think a duo-prop would help you, they benefit you at higher speed operation. Prockvoan's suggestions are about as helpful as you are gonna find, esp. bow thruster.........JK

 

[JSTSTRD]

Re: more steering control from a single screw

Is a bow thruster a do it yourself item or do I need a professional to do it?

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: more steering control from a single screw

Some thrusters are 'bolt on' doityourself kits, others are built into the hull - depends on the type of hull and the depth of your pockets.<br /><br />How long have you owned this boat?

 

[jmccall001]

Re: more steering control from a single screw

in a word, practice. I have a 26' sea ray, first 15 or w20 times docking or putting in a slip we H***, Practice makes it a lot easier.

 

[RandyJ]

Re: more steering control from a single screw

Similar experience here... with a little practice I've been able to make my 24' Bayliner Monterey cabine cruiser move sideways and ease right up to the dock... it takes alot of work with the throttle and steering figuring out how to make the outdrive push or pull the back of the boat around as well as the bow. But, I can actually manipulate it to make it move sideways.