Understanding Twin-Engine Boat Controls: A Comprehensive Guide

Twin-engine boats offer more manoeuvring control than single-engine boats, allowing you to push or pull from both corners of the stern. This makes it easier to manoeuvre in a straight line, perform standing turns, or make small directional changes with a single thrust – all without the steering wheel.

There are two types of mechanical engine controls: dual-function single-lever controls and single-function controls. Dual-function single-lever controls operate both shift and throttle with a single lever, while single-function controls have separate levers for shift and throttle.

When docking a twin-engine boat, it is recommended to avoid using the steering wheel and rely solely on the shifters and throttles. By putting one engine in forward and the other in reverse, the boat can pivot on its axis, allowing for precise control. Practising in open water is essential to master the art of twin-engine boat control.

Throttles and shifters

Understanding Throttles and Shifters

Throttles control the engine speed, while shifters change the gear, allowing you to move the boat forward or reverse. In a twin-engine boat, you can independently control the throttle and shifter for each engine, which provides exceptional manoeuvrability.

Practising with Throttles and Shifters

To become adept at using throttles and shifters, it's recommended to find a calm, open area with ample space to practise, such as a gas dock at the end of a T-dock. Start by putting one engine in forward and the other in reverse at the same RPM; this will make the boat pivot on its axis. Play with the throttle speed on each engine to observe how it affects the boat's turning radius and speed.

Next, try increasing the throttle on one engine while keeping the other at a constant RPM. This will affect the boat's turning rate and radius, with the engine in forward typically resulting in a wider turn. Experiment with different throttle combinations to understand how they influence the boat's movement.

Advanced Manoeuvres with Throttles and Shifters

Once you're comfortable with basic throttle and shifter control, you can move on to more advanced techniques. Try steering the boat without touching the wheel, using only the throttles and shifters. For a sharp 90-degree turn, shift the engine on the side of the turning direction into reverse, and control the turn radius by adjusting the throttle.

You can also try an exercise in precision control: move the boat forward, stop, and hold it steady for a moment. Then, move forward again and stop, creating a rhythmic 1-2, 1-2-3 motion. Pick an imaginary spot on the water ahead and practise moving towards it, stopping, and holding your position relative to that spot.

Docking with Throttles and Shifters

When docking a twin-engine boat, approach the dock head-in or perpendicular. Ease the boat towards the dock until the bow gently touches the port side. Then, put the port gear in forward and the starboard in reverse to pivot the boat into the dock by pushing and rotating off a piling. During this manoeuvre, you'll primarily control the turn rate by shifting gears and making minor throttle adjustments.

Remember, docking requires patience and practice. Stay calm, and if you make a mistake, start over—just like parallel parking! With dedication and time, you'll master the art of docking with throttles and shifters.

Steering wheel

The steering wheel is an important control mechanism in twin-engine boats, but it is not always necessary to use it during docking or manoeuvring. In fact, when docking a twin-engine boat, it is recommended to keep your hands off the wheel and instead use the shifters and throttles to control the boat. This is because, at idle speed, the rudders are of little to no help as they require water flow to be effective, just like an aircraft wing needs airflow to fly.

However, the steering wheel is crucial when using the twin drives, as it turns the drives and redirects thrust. The wheel is especially important when docking and manoeuvring in close quarters. When using the wheel, it is important to centre it before engaging the drives to avoid unexpected movements.

When manoeuvring a twin-engine boat, you can choose to use the wheel or not. Using the wheel makes things happen more quickly, while working with the shifters alone tends to slow things down. In calm conditions, it is best to use the shifters with a centred wheel. However, when there is wind or current, working quickly is necessary, and using the wheel and one or both drives may be required.

It is important to note that turning the wheel, even a little, can change the drive's angle of thrust and make things confusing. Therefore, if you choose to steer with the shifters, it is crucial to keep your hands off the wheel.

Docking

• Stay calm and avoid hasty control actions. Take your time and practice docking to develop absolute control of your boat.
• Be aware of wind and tide conditions and use them to your advantage. Dock into the wind or tide if possible.
• When docking, use the shifters and throttles only, not the steering wheel. The rudders are of little or no help at slow speeds.
• Practice using the throttles and shifters to control the boat. Learn how the boat behaves with different control inputs.
• When backing into a slip, prepare in advance by deploying fenders and lines, and checking for wind and current.
• Trim your engines up slightly so that the propwash goes under the boat for greater manoeuvrability.
• When approaching the slip, stop once the middle of the boat is even with the middle of the slip. Centre your steering wheel and oppose the engines to turn the boat.
• Remember that the bow will move in the direction of the throttle shifted into reverse.
• If there are space constraints, remove all forward thrust by taking the forward throttle out of gear to allow the boat to back up while continuing to spin.
• As the boat moves into the slip, reverse both throttles briefly to stop all spinning motion, then back slowly in the rest of the way.

Now, for a more detailed explanation of the docking process:

The first step in docking a twin-engine boat is to approach the dock head-in or exactly perpendicular. Ease the boat in slowly until the bow is touching the dock. Then, you will use the pivoting technique to bring the stern of the boat into the dock. This can be done by using a piling as a pivot point. Put the bow of the boat up against the piling and use the engines to rotate the boat into the dock.

If there are strong winds or tides, you can use the head-in technique by angling the bow of the boat against the piling. This will prevent the boat from sliding forward. However, be aware that as the boat turns, the bow may slip off the piling, so you will need to use the reversed engine to hold it back.

Another method for docking a twin-engine boat is to back into the slip. This is the most difficult docking manoeuvre and requires constant attention to wind and current conditions. There are two ways to back into a slip: straight in or by pivoting around a piling. If there is no wind or tide, you can back straight into the slip. However, if there are wind or current conditions, it is better to pivot around a piling.

To pivot around a piling, approach the slip at a 90-degree angle and stop when the middle of the boat is even with the middle of the slip. Centre your steering wheel and oppose the engines to get the boat spinning. You can adjust the rate of spin by shifting in and out of gear. Once the boat is parallel with the finger pier, shift both engines into reverse idle and back up.

If there are space constraints, you can remove all forward thrust by taking the forward throttle out of gear. This will allow the boat to back up while continuing to spin. Make adjustments as needed to get the boat into the slip.

With practice and patience, you can master the art of docking a twin-engine boat and avoid any embarrassing moments at the marina.

Engine controls

There are two kinds of mechanical engine controls: dual-function single-lever controls and single-function controls. Dual-function single-lever controls operate both shift and throttle with a single lever, while single-function controls have two levers, one for the shift and one for the throttle.

Twin engine boats provide more manoeuvring control than a single engine boat because of the ability to push or pull from both corners at the stern. This helps with manoeuvring in a straight line, performing standing turns, or making small, directional changes with a single thrust – all without the wheel.

When docking a twin-engine boat, it is best not to use the wheel. Instead, use the shifters and throttles only. At idle speed, the rudders are of little or no help, and the boat won't steer. The first step in learning precision control is to become skilled at using the throttles and shifters.

To do this, put one engine in forward and the other in reverse, and note how the boat pivots. Then, increase the throttle on one engine and observe how the boat turns. Repeat this process, practising how the boat behaves with different control inputs.

When approaching a dock, use the shifters and throttles to ease the boat into position. You can also use a piling as a pivot point, pushing against it as the boat rotates.

Twin lever dual engine controls are available for boats, with one lever for the throttle and one for the transmission. These controls are made of chrome-plated brass or zinc alloy and are suitable for any type of boat with outboard, inboard, or I/O power, gas or diesel.

Manoeuvring in tight spaces

Manoeuvring a Twin-Engine Boat in Tight Spaces

Manoeuvring a twin-engine boat in tight spaces can be challenging, but with practice and understanding of the controls, it becomes much easier. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you master this skill:

Understanding the Basics

Twin-engine boats have two engines and propellers, which rotate in opposite directions to balance the torque and improve manoeuvrability. One engine serves as the primary propulsion source, while the other is dedicated to steering and manoeuvring the boat. Understanding propeller rotation is crucial for effective boat handling and control, especially at low speeds.

Practising in Open Water

Before attempting to manoeuvre in tight spaces, it is essential to practise in a safe, open area. Get to know your boat's handling characteristics by experimenting with the shifters and throttles in calm conditions. Practise shifting the port and starboard drives into reverse and forward to observe how the boat responds. This will help you learn how to shift and steer efficiently.

Manoeuvring Techniques

When manoeuvring in tight spaces, it is generally best to keep your hands off the wheel. The rudders are less effective at slow speeds, so focus on using the shifters and throttles for control. By putting one engine in forward and the other in reverse, you can make the boat pivot on its axis. Adjusting the throttle speeds on each engine will also affect the turn radius and speed.

Docking Techniques

When docking a twin-engine boat, approach the dock at a 90-degree angle and stop when the middle of the boat is even with the middle of the slip. Centre your steering wheel and oppose the engines to turn the boat. Remember, the bow will move in the direction of the throttle shifted into reverse. If space constraints prevent you from spinning completely, remove all forward thrust to start backing up while continuing to spin.

Dealing with Wind and Current

Always be mindful of wind and current conditions, as they can impact your manoeuvring. In calm conditions, using the shifters alone with a centred wheel is usually sufficient. However, in windy or strong current conditions, you may need to use the wheel and one or both drives to act quickly and prevent the boat from drifting.

Frequently asked questions