General Category - Pearson Owners and Enthusiasts > Boat Handling

Backing up my P323

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AnaMeg:
The posts here show much more seamanship than I have, but FWIW, here's the technique I've found useful. I'm in a starboard pier dock and have the diesel with strong starboard prop walk. I need to back to port to get out. (Haven't developed the courage to try backing in.) Using a 1/2" nylon 3 strand aft spring line (stretchy) I put the prop in forward idle speed, rudder to port. That tenses and stretches the spring line and holds the stern toward the dock. First mate takes off all other lines. I put it in neutral and boat starts moving in reverse. A one second full throttle reverse pulse gives it enough speed to make the rudder effective... usually. Then neutral and back, like a car, to port. If there's a wind of the starboard side more than 12k the bow is blown to port and nothing works. I back out of the fairway. When we have guests nothing works. I look rather dumb.

Geoff

selene:
Total cop-out, but I almost never back out - I just gently push the boat, walking it down the slip, until it gets enough speed, (or I fun out of room) then hop on board.  Then gun the engine!

Now backing in, that takes practice...still messing that up.

Dave:
I have a diesel so mine walks to starboard. I am still getting a feel for it. I have been bumping it in reverse and then back to neutral to avoid the steering to starboard. I backed out of a slip in reverse and it was really walking, and it made me a little weary. Really cannot help with advice but just wanted to say, I was a little nervous going in reverse.

Chelsea:
About backing up.  I did learn that the transmission on my Atomic 4 (Walther "V" drive") has an adjustment band that when snugged up will help it reverse better.  It will do nothing for the steerage but will help me gain some much needed momentum.  Currently, I can hold the bow and be in reverse with nothing happening... it's not fun..

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