Cruising Under Power

A NAUTICAT motorsailer has two steering stations with remote controls to permit steering outside as well as inside. One thing to remember about the remote control is always to return the lever into neutral when changing from one steering point to another. If one remote control is engaged, the other one won’t work. This may lead to very serious complications e.g. in case one should need to stop the boat abruptly.

The turning radius of a NAUTICAT is very tight at low speeds, particularly when turning to port. The propeller rotates counter-clockwise, viewed from astern, causing the stern to slip to starboard. Turn the wheel hard to port and run the engine at 1500 revs forward and reverse alternatively. The boat will turn about 90° to port at each phase. Try this at sea. Also try turning to starboard, and note the difference. A life buoy in the water can serve as a comparison mark.

A NAUTICAT has a heavy displacement, wherefore caution must be observed when berthing. Make it a rule always to have all the fenders out and all the mooring lines ready when docking or coming alongside.

You will notice that the stern “draws” to starboard also when reversing.

When setting off, make it a habit to try the gears at a low speed. Switch over to FWD and reverse and note a slight jerk when the gear is engaged. Do this while the mooring lines are still attached. Always use minimal speeds in port!

The safest and easiest way of berthing is wind on the bow and pier on starboard. Thus you take advantage of the slip-effect of the stern. Approach the pier in a 50° angle, at a speed not higher than what is required for manoeuvrability. When the bow is about two yards from the pier, turn the wheel to its port extreme, and when the bow is about to touch the pier, put in the reverse. Now the bow will move further off the pier and the stern closer, thus bringing the craft alongside.