Astern control

Posted By: Craig Poole, m/s Jack B. Nimble, Havre de Grace, Md.
Date: 6/5/08 5:40p.m.

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In Response To: Steering ability for Kodiak (David)

I have a diesel so my experiences will differ from those using outboards of course. But generlly I would say i have excellent steering control in reverse. It largely depends on crosswinds or currents but in my small marina, I have to routinely back out of my slip, then amake a 90 degree turn to port. At first I would try to back up into an empty slip directly astern, but found i didn't have enough turning radius going forward to get out. I now just go slow astern and use the rudder to precisely back down the narrow channel, make another turn and then i can head straight out all ahead. Which means that i seem to have rreally serious control going astern, pretty much able to swing the boat in a 360 if needed. much tighter turning circle astern then ahead in my opinion. craig poole