Mastering The Art Of Walking A Boat With Twin Engines

Walking a boat sideways with twin engines is a skill that every boater should know. It is a technique used to move a boat sideways into a tight parking spot at a fuel dock or other popular facilities. To do this, the steering wheel must be turned hard over and away from the destination. Both engines are then placed in gear, with the engine closer to the destination in reverse and the other in forward. The boat will begin to move sideways, and the wheel should be eased slightly until the boat straightens out. This technique requires practice and an understanding of the boat's handling qualities.

How to walk a twin-engine boat without a helm wheel

Walking a boat sideways with twin engines is a useful skill to have when it comes to docking, especially in tight spots. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to walk a twin-engine boat without a helm wheel:

Step 1: Understand the Basic Concept

The key to walking a twin-engine boat sideways is to understand the natural tendency of propellers. When one engine is in forward gear and the other in reverse, both propellers turn in the same direction due to counter-rotation, causing the boat to move sideways. This phenomenon is known as the asymmetric disc effect.

Step 2: Position Your Boat

If you want to walk your boat to the starboard side, ensure your steering wheel is turned to port. This is because the boat will move in the opposite direction of the steering wheel. Similarly, if you want to move to port, turn your wheel to starboard.

Step 3: Engage the Engines

Place the engine closest to your desired direction in reverse and the other engine in forward. For example, if you want to move to starboard, put your starboard engine in reverse and your port engine in forward. Adjust the power on both engines to get the boat moving.

Step 4: Adjust the Wheel

As the stern of the boat starts leading towards the desired direction, adjust your wheel slightly to keep the boat straight. Once the boat is parallel to the pier or dock, turn your wheel hard in the opposite direction of the pier again. Ensure that the bow does not lead the boat's walk.

Step 5: Practice and Fine-Tune

Walking a boat sideways requires practice and a feel for your boat's specific characteristics. The technique may vary depending on whether your boat has outdrives or shafts. Additionally, factors such as wind, current, and rudder size can impact the boat's movement. Practice in an open area to get a sense of how your boat responds to different rudder positions and throttle settings.

Step 6: Advanced Techniques

For twin sterndrive boats, you can try a technique called "crabbing." Fender the side of the boat closest to the dock, apply full helm, and briefly click ahead on the engine furthest from the dock to push the bow in. Then, straighten the helm and apply astern on the same engine to lift the bow off without pushing the stern back. Repeat these steps, alternating between moving the bow and stern in small steps, to walk the boat sideways.

Using both engines to walk a boat

Walking a boat involves moving a boat sideways by using the natural tendency of propellers to displace their centre of thrust, relative to the direction in which they turn. This phenomenon is known as the asymmetric disc effect.

To walk a boat with twin engines, you must first turn the steering wheel hard over, away from your destination. If your desired destination is off your starboard side, turn the steering wheel to port. Next, place both engines in gear, with the engine closer to the destination in reverse, and the other in forward. In the example above, this would mean putting your starboard engine in reverse and your port engine in forward. Give both engines enough power to start moving. The stern will likely lead the rest of the boat towards the pier. Ease your wheel slightly until the boat begins to straighten out. Once it is parallel to the pier, turn the wheel hard away from the pier once more. Do not let the bow lead the boat.

If your propellers turn inboard, towards the centre line of your vessel, with both engines in forward gear, when you move one into reverse, they will both turn in the direction of the propeller in reverse and drag the boat in that direction. Boats with outboard motors or inboard-outboard engines with propellers that turn outboard tend to twist, rather than walk.

If you have outboard-turning propellers, you can still walk the boat, but you will only use one engine at a time. When making a landing, back into your dock space at an angle between 30 and 40 degrees and put down a stern line. Once you secure the stern line, turn the steering wheel away from the pier and put the engine furthest from the pier in forward.

Walking a boat with twin engines requires practice. It is best to practice in a completely open area first. Be careful not to get the boat moving too quickly, as stopping sideways motion takes considerably more rpm, shift, and steerage adjustment time than simply moving forward or backward.

Using one engine to walk a boat

Walking a boat involves moving the vessel sideways by using the natural tendency of propellers to displace their centre of thrust relative to the direction in which they turn, a phenomenon known as the asymmetric disc effect. While twin-engine boats can be walked by placing the steering wheel away from the destination and putting the engines in opposite gears, this is not possible with a single-engine boat. However, a single-engine boat can be pivoted in its own length by utilising the "prop walk" effect.

To pivot a single-engine boat, follow these steps:

• Ensure the boat is stationary in calm waters with no current or nearby vessels.
• Place the steering wheel hard to port or starboard, depending on the direction you want the boat to rotate and how your stern swings in reverse.
• Put the engine in forward gear with the rudder hard to port, then immediately give a short but generous burst of throttle (no more than a second or two). The stern should swing in the opposite direction, while the bow moves in the direction of the rudder.
• Bring the throttle back to idle and put the transmission into neutral.
• The boat should now be rotating in the direction of the rudder. Engage reverse gear and give another brief burst of throttle. The stern should swing in the same direction as in step 3.
• Repeat steps 3 and 4 as needed to continue rotating the boat.
• When the bow is facing the desired direction, centre the wheel and engage forward gear to propel the boat forward.

Note that the above technique assumes a left-hand or counterclockwise-turning propeller. If you have a right-hand or clockwise-turning propeller, you would put the helm to starboard in step 2. Additionally, be mindful not to leave the engine in gear for more than a second or two, as this will cause the boat to gain forward or astern momentum, spoiling the pirouette.

Walking a twin-engine boat with outboard-turning propellers

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to walk a twin-engine boat with outboard-turning propellers:

• Approach the dock at an angle: When you're making a landing, approach the dock at an angle between 30 and 40 degrees. This is an important step to position your boat for the next maneuvers.
• Secure a stern line: After approaching the dock at the appropriate angle, secure a stern line to the dock. This line will help keep the boat in place and facilitate the sideways movement.
• Turn the steering wheel away from the pier: Once the stern line is secured, turn your steering wheel away from the pier. This step is crucial for the next step, as it sets up the direction of your boat's movement.
• Put the engine farthest from the pier in forward: Now, engage the engine that is farthest from the pier by putting it in forward gear. This will activate the outboard-turning propellers and initiate the walking motion.
• Adjust engine speed and rudder position: Depending on the current and wind conditions, you may need to adjust the engine speed and rudder position to control the sideways movement effectively. Practice in calm conditions first to get a feel for how these adjustments affect the boat's motion.
• Practice in an open area: Walking a twin-engine boat with outboard-turning propellers takes skill and experience. It's recommended to practice in a completely open area first to get a feel for the boat's movement and how your adjustments affect its direction.
• Understand propeller walk: Propeller walk is the tendency of a single-engine boat's propeller to push the boat sideways in the direction it turns. In a twin-engine boat with outboard-turning propellers, this effect is still present but may be less pronounced. Understanding this phenomenon will help you anticipate and control the boat's movement.
• Consider counter-rotating propellers: Twin-engine boats can have counter-rotating propellers, where one propeller turns clockwise, and the other turns counterclockwise. This setup improves maneuverability and reduces steering torque. It's important to understand the direction of propeller rotation on your boat, as it influences low-speed maneuvers and overall handling.

Remember, walking a twin-engine boat with outboard-turning propellers requires practice and a good understanding of how your boat handles. Always be mindful of the wind, current, and other factors that can impact your boat's movement.

How to correct the boat's course if it starts moving too quickly

Walking a boat sideways with twin engines is a skill that requires practice and experience. It is important to remember that attempting to correct the course of a boat that is moving too quickly can be challenging and may require more advanced techniques. Here are some detailed instructions on how to correct the boat's course effectively:

• Maintain Calm and Avoid Hasty Control Actions: It is crucial to stay calm and avoid panicking when your boat starts moving too quickly. Hasty control actions can lead to over or under-reaction, making the situation worse. Take a moment to assess the situation and gather your thoughts before taking any corrective measures.
• Understand Basic Principles of Twin-Engine Control: Before attempting any maneuvers, ensure you understand the basic principles of controlling a twin-engine boat. Practice controlling the boat's movement using only the throttles and shifters, as this will be crucial when trying to correct its course. Familiarize yourself with the boat's pivoting capabilities and how adjusting throttle speeds impacts its turning radius.
• Use Throttles and Shifters: When trying to correct the course of a boat that is moving too quickly, avoid using the steering wheel. Instead, focus on using the throttles and shifters to adjust the boat's speed and direction. Remember that increasing the throttle on one engine will result in a wider turn, while increasing the throttle on both engines will result in a sharper turn.
• Practice in Open Waters: Find a calm area with plenty of space, such as a large body of water, to practice controlling the boat's speed and direction. Get a feel for how the boat responds to different throttle and shifter adjustments. This will help you make more precise corrections when the boat is moving too quickly.
• Slow Down and Pivot: If your boat is moving too quickly in one direction, slow down both engines and use the pivoting technique to adjust its course. By putting one engine in forward and the other in reverse, you can cause the boat to pivot on its axis and change direction. Make small adjustments to the throttle speeds to control the pivoting action and correct the boat's course effectively.
• Use Wind and Tide to Your Advantage: Pay attention to wind and tide conditions, and try to use them to your advantage when correcting the boat's course. For example, if the wind is blowing towards the dock, you can rely less on engine power and let the wind assist in maneuvering the boat. Conversely, if the wind is blowing away from the dock, use the wind to control your forward speed.
• Practice Docking Maneuvers: One of the most challenging aspects of controlling a twin-engine boat is docking. Practice docking maneuvers in different conditions to improve your skills. Approach the dock at a 90-degree angle, stop when the middle of the boat is even with the middle of the slip, and then use the engines to pivot the boat into the correct position. Remember to deploy fenders and lines beforehand to ensure a smooth docking process.
• Be Prepared for Unexpected Scenarios: Even with practice, unexpected situations can arise. Stay alert and be prepared to make judgments based on the boat's position and the severity of external factors such as wind or current. In some cases, it may be best to pull away from the dock and start the docking process again to avoid collisions or mishaps.

Remember that correcting the course of a boat moving too quickly requires a combination of skill, experience, and quick thinking. Stay calm, use the throttles and shifters effectively, and leverage your understanding of the boat's behavior to make precise corrections. With practice, you'll become more adept at handling various scenarios and maneuvering your twin-engine boat with confidence.

Frequently asked questions