Rudder and motor together

Posted By: Jim B., Yellowstone
Date: 6/25/08 6:54a.m.

Report: outside forum guidelines

In Response To: Com-Pac Sun Cat (Bob)

If you pull the rudder up, you risk hitting it with the prop. With our SunCat, I could turn much tighter by using the tiller and motor-tiller together (one in each hand). Sit on the port side aft, and the reach wasn't a problem. We could turn the motor nearly sideways, push the tiller over, and rotate the boat in nearly its own length - great technique for tight situations or docking. Tom describes the technique most of us use above. There is also a product that Vicki from Victoria's Secret bought that puts motor controls on the tiller handle; I never found the need for that on this small boat, but Vicki also thinks I have unusually freakishly long ape-like arms (not true, btw). In moving from a powerboat to this great catboat, you will find you have steerage even when the motor isn't in gear. By being able to turn the motor at nearly right angles to the boat, you have great control at low speeds. While motoring, we kept our motor tightened just enough to keep it from moving side-to-side, but still able to turn by hand... you will have to experiment with yours to find that position. The centerboard down a bit will definitely help in low speed situations, too. We generally pulled it up all the way when motoring at hull speed. One of the best things you can do is practice away from anything solid: toss out a throwable cushion and practice bringing the boat up to it, forward and reverse. When you are comfortable with that, do it again with some wind. It will make your life easier when maneuvering in tight situations. Congrats on your new boat! Happy Sails to You, Jim B.