[C38] performance

[Glen Robinson]

Ken,
  We, too, have the Universal/2-blade configuration on SNOWBIRD, but have decided that the "prop-walk is a terrific ADVANTAGE when approaching a side-tie dock (probably 95% of all our docking situations).  We lay our lines and fenders on the port side, approach at a 45 deg angle (preferably slowly, but as fast as necessary to overcome wind, tide, etc), turn right as the bow nears the dock, then place in Reverse.  Takes a bit of practice, but the combination of the right turn and the prop-walk sucks the stern neatly to the dock every time!  As the boat stops completely, JoAnn steps (no jumping--ever!  We re-approach, as necessary until I get it right.  Safety always trumps ego!) onto the dock and secures with a midships spring line.  I then am able to assist securing the bow and stern lines at our leisure.
  When returning to our 2-fingered home slip, we motor down the runway a distance past our own dock, idle to a stop, and place in reverse.  Once reverse momentum is gained, reasonable steerage  is obtained, and backing straight is fairly easy, with practice.  (I step around the pedestal, facing aft while in reverse.  Once accustmed to the reverse controls, I find it much easier to see and drive--but the danger of confusion is obvious.)
   As you all know, a firm grip is required in reverse, as the balanced rudder wants to go all the way, once turned just a bit in either direction.  Others may have different practices, but after 27 years and hundreds of dockings in dozens of ports in varying conditions this usually works for us.
  Congratulations on your new boat, and Good Luck!
  JoAnn&glen
  SNOWBIRD
  Stockton, CA

Charles <charles at finn.ws> wrote:
  Ken,
I too was a bit taken aback with the prop walk on the 38s. It is much 
more than my last boat and I my experience on the helm on a couple of 
"J" boats which have significantly less. I think this is a trade-off 
for our particular mast - keel configuration which allows us to point so 
well. As far as props go, I went to the three blade Sailor prop and 
experienced what Phil is talking about in terms of the additional power 
these blades have over the two blade. Again, there are trade-offs. My 
three blade prop increases boat speed (over one knot at 2200 rpm for me) 
and reduces fuel consumption (I keep track). It also has reduced drive 
train resonance, which really bothered me. But, it does slow the boat, 
which I could have eliminated with Phil's $2500 prop (mine cost $500). 
I think your Universal is actually a 24 hp engine, which is a bit under 
powered, but I am sticking with mine as I still have other places to put 
that $10,000!
It took me a couple/three years to figure out the throttle technique 
(slow learner) and there are still situations that make me nervous such 
as high winds with crowded docks. But, this prop walk can be managed 
with practice. 

Charles Finn
Mighty Quinn #114

Kenneth M. Sutto wrote:
> I recently bought a '83 Catalina. I am in the process of getting to 
> know the boat and how it handles. It has the standard Universal 21hp 
> engine and two blade prop. My big problem is every time I try to back 
> out of my slip the stern wants to got to the port no matter which 
> way I turn the wheel. I have a tight slip length and width wise.
> Is there some way I can get more control performance wise other than 
> getting a bigger engine? Would a three blade prop help? What is the 
> best way to turn the wheel once I get water flowing past the rutter?
> Ken Catalina #251
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Windows Live Hotmail and Microsoft Office Outlook – together at last. 
> Get it now! 
> 
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> _______________________________________________
> Listserve mailing list
> Listserve at catalina38.org
> http://catalina38.org/mailman/listinfo/listserve_catalina38.org
> 


_______________________________________________
Listserve mailing list
Listserve at catalina38.org
http://catalina38.org/mailman/listinfo/listserve_catalina38.org

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://catalina38.org/pipermail/listserve_catalina38.org/attachments/20071028/455d88e3/attachment-0001.htm>