Mastering The Art Of Twin Engine Boat Sideways Maneuvering

Moving a twin-engine boat sideways is a valuable skill for navigating tight spaces. While some boats have joysticks to assist with this, it is possible to do it manually with practice. The basic idea is to move the bow and stern in small steps, creating a crabbing motion. This can be achieved by alternating the engines between forward and reverse gear, with the rudders maintained in a straight position. The specific technique depends on the type of boat and the direction of the propellers. For boats with inboard propellers, turning the wheel away from the destination and placing the engine closer to the destination in reverse can help achieve the desired sideways motion. Outboard motors or inboard-outboard engines tend to twist rather than walk, so only one engine is used for walking.

How to move a twin-engine boat sideways without a thruster

Moving a twin-engine boat sideways is a useful skill for getting out of tight spots. While some boats now have a joystick to assist with this manoeuvre, it is possible to do it manually with practice. Here are the steps to achieve this:

Step 1: Understand the Basic Technique

The basic idea is to alternate between moving the bow and stern in small steps, so the boat gradually moves sideways in a crab-like motion. This technique requires some experimentation, as different methods work better on different types of boats.

Step 2: Position the Boat

For a twin sterndrive boat moored starboard side, start by fendering the starboard bow. This will protect the boat from the dock.

Step 3: Apply Steering and Engine Controls

Apply full starboard helm, then briefly click the port engine ahead to push the bow towards the dock. This will lift the stern away from the dock. Straighten the helm and apply a click of astern on the port engine to lift the bow off without pushing the stern back in.

Step 4: Fine-Tune Your Position

You may need to repeat the above steps a few times to get clear of the dock. Then, put the helm to port and apply a click of starboard ahead to push the bow out further. Keep an eye on the stern to ensure it doesn't move too close to the dock. Keep the helm to port and apply starboard astern to move the back end further out.

Step 5: Adjust for Different Boat Types

If you have a shaft-driven boat, the technique is similar, but the responsiveness to helm adjustments may vary. For twin-engine shaft boats, consider using a bow thruster if one is available, as it can make the manoeuvre easier.

Step 6: Practice in Open Water

Practising in an open area without obstacles is recommended. With experience, you can refine your technique and learn to use both the bow thruster and engine controls together to "walk" the boat sideways. By applying one engine ahead and the other astern, most twin-engine boats will turn on the spot, allowing you to thrust against the ahead engine to achieve sideways movement with minimal forward or backward motion.

Using the helm-wheel to steer a twin-engine boat sideways

To begin, the basic idea is to alternate between moving the bow and stern in small increments, resulting in a gradual sideways "crabbing" motion. This can be achieved by manipulating the helm-wheel and engine controls. For example, in a twin sterndrive boat moored starboard side, you would apply full starboard helm, briefly click ahead on the port engine to push the bow towards the dock, and then straighten the helm and apply astern on the port engine to lift the bow without pushing the stern back in.

On shafts, the technique is similar, but the responsiveness to helm usage may vary. Additionally, larger boats often have bow thrusters, which can be used in conjunction with the engines to move sideways. When using a bow thruster, remember that the stern will move in the opposite direction as well.

With practice, you can master the art of using both the bow thruster and engine controls to "walk" the boat sideways. By applying one engine ahead and the other astern, you can achieve a pivoting motion, allowing the boat to turn on the spot. This technique can be particularly useful when docking in tight spaces or manoeuvring in challenging conditions.

Moving a twin-engine boat sideways with negligible fore or aft movement

Moving a twin-engine boat sideways with minimal forward or backward movement is a valuable skill for getting out of tight spots. Here are the steps to achieve this:

Firstly, it is important to note that this technique works best in calm conditions, with minimal wind or current. Begin by turning the rudders about 80% to the direction you want the boat to move sideways towards. For example, if you want to move to the starboard side, turn the rudders to starboard. Then, place the starboard engine in forward gear and the port engine in reverse gear. Adjust the rpm accordingly – keep the starboard engine at idle rpm and the port engine at about 150 rpm higher.

Next, quickly adjust the direction and rpm to achieve the desired speed. Increasing the rpm on both engines while maintaining the same percentage difference will result in a faster sideways motion. Be cautious, as correcting the course can be challenging if the boat starts moving too quickly. Practice in an open area to get a feel for the adjustments and find the right balance for your boat.

Additionally, consider the propeller walk phenomenon, where a single-engine boat tends to shear sideways in the direction its propeller turns due to the asymmetric disc effect. In a twin-engine boat, the interaction of the propellers and water pushes the entire boat in the direction the propellers turn when one engine is in forward gear and the other in reverse. This effect is more pronounced when the propellers are counter-rotating in forward gear, with one turning clockwise and the other counterclockwise.

Finally, when using a bow thruster, remember that the stern will move in the opposite direction. For example, in a starboard-side berth, using a bow thruster burst to port will move the stern to starboard. To move the stern to port and away from the dock, use either port ahead or starboard astern once the bow has moved away.

With practice, you can master the art of moving a twin-engine boat sideways with negligible fore or aft movement, making docking and maneuvering in tight spaces a breeze.

Moving a twin-engine boat sideways in windy conditions

Moving a twin-screw boat sideways is a skill that requires practice and experience. It is important to remember that windy conditions will make this manoeuvre more challenging, and you may need to adjust your technique accordingly. Here are some detailed instructions to help you move a twin-engine boat sideways, even in windy conditions:

Understanding the Basics

Propeller walk is a well-known phenomenon among boaters. It refers to the tendency of a single-engine boat to shear sideways in the direction its propeller turns. By using this natural tendency and adjusting the direction of the propellers, you can move your boat sideways. This manoeuvre is often used when docking or moving away from a dock, especially in crowded areas where space is limited.

Techniques for Twin-Engine Boats

One technique for moving a twin-engine boat sideways is to turn the steering wheel hard over, away from your destination. If you want to move to the starboard side, turn the wheel to port and put the starboard engine in reverse, with the port engine in forward. The idea is to have the port propeller push the boat in the desired direction while the starboard propeller, in reverse, prevents forward motion. Adjust the power on both engines to get the boat moving.

Adjusting for Windy Conditions

In windy conditions, you may need to make some adjustments to this technique. Remember that wind will impact the boat's movement, so you may need to use more power on the engines to counteract the wind's force. Additionally, the wind may cause the boat to drift, so be prepared to make small corrections to your course by adjusting the steering wheel and engine power accordingly. Practice in an open area to get a feel for how the boat handles in windy conditions.

Alternative Methods

If you are having difficulty moving the boat sideways due to windy conditions, there are alternative methods you can try. One method is to approach the dock at a shallow angle, using the outer engine to adjust your distance from the dock. Another method is to back into the dock space at an angle between 30 and 40 degrees, secure a stern line, and then turn the steering wheel away from the pier, putting the engine farthest from the pier in forward. Remember that windy conditions will always make manoeuvring more challenging, so take your time and make adjustments as needed.

Final Thoughts

How to move a twin-engine boat sideways using both bow thruster and engine controls

Moving a twin-engine boat sideways is a useful skill to have when you need to get out of tight spots. Here are the steps to do so using both the bow thruster and engine controls:

• Positioning and Initial Setup: Start by positioning your twin-engine boat in the desired location, ensuring there is enough space to manoeuvre. Fender the starboard bow if you are moored on the starboard side.
• Turning the Rudder: Turn the rudder about 80% to the starboard side. This will be the opposite direction of your intended sideways movement.
• Engine Gear and Throttle: Put the starboard engine in forward gear and the port engine in reverse gear. Adjust the throttle accordingly: keep the starboard engine at idle RPM, and set the port engine at approximately 150 RPM higher.
• Adjust Rudder and Throttle: Once the engines are in the correct gear and RPM, quickly adjust the rudder to the desired direction. You can increase the speed of sideways motion by increasing the RPM on both engines while maintaining the same percentage difference. Be cautious, as correcting the boat's path becomes more challenging at higher speeds.
• Bow Thruster: If your boat is equipped with a bow thruster, use it to your advantage. Remember that the stern will move in the opposite direction when using the bow thruster. For example, if you are docked on the starboard side, applying a good burst of bow thruster to port will move the stern to starboard.
• Fine-tune Movement: As the bow moves away from the dock, use either port ahead or starboard astern to adjust the stern's position and move it away from the dock.
• Practice and Refinement: With practice, you can master the art of using both the bow thruster and engine controls together to "walk" the boat sideways. Experiment with different throttle settings and rudder positions to find the optimal configuration for your boat.

Remember, it is always advisable to practice in a calm and open area to gain proficiency in handling your twin-engine boat sideways.

Frequently asked questions