Boat handling

[AllanKay]

No thruster and twin screws on GB 42 Classic. Tried the technique of stbd full rudder and stbd ahead with port back. Supposed to move sideways with minor adjustments to stay in one spot. Boat only turns to port as the ahead screw is more efficient rudder pushing stbd. I gave up after some talk and more attempts with my ship handling master mariner friend. We conclude the rudders are too small on the GB for this to work. There are lots of times it would be handy if possible.Thoughts anyone?

[GB42-267]

To use the engines and rudders to walk a GB sideways doesn't work. There are two main reasons for this, one being the rudders are simply too small and the second, they are too far inboard to crate any significant thrust. I replaced mine a couple of years ago with 42% larger stainless steel palmed rudders. These rudders gave me better control in close quarter maneuvering, but I still can't use them with the engines to walk sideways which I didn't expect anyway.

[AllanKay]

Thanks for confirmation and interesting photo.

[gsanchez]

My GB50 responds to the "stbd full rudder and stbd ahead with port back" technique to move sideways. It is not perfect as the bow tends to move sideways a bit faster than the stern and there is a bit of forward motion.

I don't often use this but I have successfully resorted to it in a couple of hairy situations.

I need to rev-up quite a bit to move the boat: 1500 RPM or so.

[AllanKay]

I had someone suggest an articulated rudder largely solves the problem of small rudders not offset enough from center line to give turning moment. Used by close handling and maneuver boats such as fishing boats. Maybe won't need the planned bow thruster. Don't know where to get one but now on the search.

This is what I'm talking about .... only can't see how it could install on my GB

http://georgebuehler.com/Articulated%20Rudders.html