Throttle & Steering Issues

[xecutech]

OK, I am a new boater, bought a used boat and have nothing to compare it to as far as performance goes.<br />I can't dock worth $hI7! I can't seem to get the speed right and steering doesn't cooperate either!<br />The steering is a bit stiff so I think I will replace the cables and etc.<br /><br />The throttle bothers me the most. How far forward does the control have to be in to go forward? Then when I put it in reverse to slow down or back up... I have to put it way back to get it to reverse. Is this normal, or should I replace this as well?<br /><br />I need to find someone local that has more experience to drive it around and let me know if this is normal, or I have alot of learning to do.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Throttle & Steering Issues

So you suspect that you may have too much freeplay in your controls? It's normal to have some in a cable system (only the fly by wire have close to no freeplay). That's something that can't be diagnosed via a computer screen, you probably need to take it to a shop. As for docking - practice makes perfect. Some boats won't respond in the steering unless you have a bit of speed but you don't want to slam the dock - it's an art that will only come with time. Use the wind and tide to your advantage, always run into them when approaching a dock and remember that it steers from the rear, at slow speeds you need to execute a turn just before you want to turn - forward thinking. <br />How big a boat are we talking about? Motor?<br /><br />Aldo

 

[Bondo]

Re: Throttle & Steering Issues

Ayuh,..............<br /><br />The Biggest Problem, I've had teaching new boat operators is,.......<br />It's Water,......... Not Blacktop........<br /><br />It's a Dynamic medium... Just turning the Wheel, Doesn't mean the boat will turn like a car.....<br />And,... There's No Brakes.... You Can't Just Stop in the water.....<br />Add in Wind, Current, Tides, Etc.........It just gets Crazier..........<br />

I need to find someone local that has more experience to drive it around and let me know if this is normal, or I have alot of learning to do.

Agreed,...... <br />And,.. A Coast Guard approved Boater Safety Course,...... Would be Your Best, Safest approach to Your Issues.............

 

[xecutech]

Re: Throttle & Steering Issues

20' w/ v6 engine.<br /><br />I understand the concept, but understand I need alot of practice. I am just concerned that it's not just me, but could be issues with the boat. It's a 91 model, so it could need new steering and throttle cables. That's why I was asking.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Throttle & Steering Issues

Throttle controls typically have a long throw so to speak. It takes alot of movement in the control lever to get a little speed. Not sure, but I think this is done on purpose to permit more precise low speed control. The top end speed occurs only over about the last 1" of control lever travel. As for the steering, don't expect precise control as you would in a wheeled vehicle. A boat actually turns by pivoting about a central point. You need top keep this in mind while making your maneuvers.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Throttle & Steering Issues

Practice, practice until you get good. Out here most lakes have floating restrooms and this is a good place to practice. It is out away from shore and usually not busy. Also you can dock on both side so you can try the down wind side and then go over to the up wind side. Get two or three fender the right size for your boat. Most people buy fender too small the first time. Get as big a set as you can use. Also needed when rafting up with other boats. I also suggest a good boat hook expandable to at least 10 feet.<br /><br />Give each Crew member a Job. One to handle the dock lines or step onto the dock. One to have a boat hook ready if needed. Approch the dock as slow as you can go and still maintain steering. As wind and current pick up you will need a little more speed. Dont forget you are stearing the back of the boat. Also as wind and current pick moving you off the dock then approch the dock at a greater angle. Have Dock lines and boat hook ready. When you put the boat in reverse to stop your forward motion do it gently so you do not throw your crew off blance.<br /><br />Approching the dock with wind and current moving you on to the dock. Drive up next to the dock and allow the wind or current to push you over to the dock.<br /><br />Docking very easy with no wind or current. The more the wind blows and the current runs the harder it gets. Easy to tell the boater with experence and have practiced. They will come up to the dock gently in even the worst conditions. Everyone on the boat will do their job without any yelling. They will get out of the water the fastest and free up the dock.<br /><br />When you have guest let them know where to sit to stay out of the way or assign them a job. In bad condition make sure you explain what to do and tell them what to expect.