[Public-list] Backing an Alberg 30 into a Slip

[Meinhold, Michael J]

Pete -
  I asked the list the same question two years ago, and got a lot of
good advice. You already know she'll go where she wants in reverse. 

Basically I alternate intense backing thrust to get backing boat speed,
with no thrust to allow rudder steering.. If you can get just a little
hull speed your rudder will be effective, but only if the prop is not
turning in reverse!  I also try to account for the known tendency of the
stern to kick to starboard when backing. 

I approach dead slow in neutral perpendicular to the slip, just 10 feet
off with the pilings to starboard. When the bow is just about to my
slip, I goose the engine in forward and put the tiller fairly hard to
starboard. Goosing the engine just gives a little better turning rate
without increasing boat speed.  If I've timed it all correctly, when the
boat has turned about 80 degrees, her stern is only about 5 feet outside
the slip, and she's just barely moving. Then I center the rudder and hit
reverse and gun it for a count of about 3.  While reverse thrusting
she'll rotate the remaining 10 degrees and be perfecly lined up :-)
When the boat is backing perceptibly I go back to neutral and
concentrate on steering with the rudder. Often thats all I need , but
sometimes a little more reverse in spurts is needed, or a little forward
to slow down.


Mike

Rinn Duin #272


-----Original Message-----
From: public-list-bounces at alberg30.org
[mailto:public-list-bounces at alberg30.org] On Behalf Of Peter Staehling
Sent: Sunday, April 23, 2006 7:29 PM
To: Alberg 30 Public List -- open to all
Subject: [Public-list] Backing an Alberg 30 into a Slip

I always prided myself at being good at backing into a
slip, but Aurora is a real bear to steer in reverse. 
It seems like she just about ignores the rudder
position when under power in reverse and responds very
slowly to rudder when coasting.

So far it seems like the rudder has to be used with a
heavy hand when under power and a very light touch
when coasting.

I have been managing to get in and out of the slip,
but I typically take a few approaches before I get it
right.  Fortunately if I chicken out and put it in to
forward, she is much easier to handle.

I could give up and pull into the slip, but I am
determined to learn to back in.

Anyone have any helpful tips?

Pete
#554

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