Twins

[Donald Tyson]

With twin Honda 40's do the engines counter rotate or do the lower units counter each other?

[thataway]

No none of the "protable" outboard counter rotate. There are a few in the 115 hp, and available in the 150 hp. I have not checked the most recent brand lineup.

[-Waypoint-]

The Midsize Hondas don't offer counter rotating screws. It would be nice for sure. I've learned to use this to my advantage when maneuvering in tight spaces. I found that my boat is highly maneuverable docking and twisting to Port. It will fight me when I try to dock Stbd. side to or twist to Stbd. So I will always dock my boat portside to even if I have to back in.

[Donald Tyson]

Waypoint, Huh, Whodathunk'it, I made the assumption. Well it must work very well as I've heard no one complaining.
How do u "use it to your advantage"?

[-Waypoint-]

This is very complicated to explain in a blog post. But here goes.

It happens strictly with propeller walk. Most marine gear boxes (reduction gears) turn to the right in forward and turn to the left in reverse. This is why outboards have a trim tab under the cavitation plate. It counters the propeller walk at high speeds in forward.

How I take advantage of this using my twins that do not have counter rotating screws is by using the advantage of twice the propeller walk in the same direction. Or using the port engine in fwd. gear and the stbd. engine in reverse. To precisely control the boat twisting it to port even forcing the bow into wind. This happens by reversing the stbd. Engine, not only is it offset from center line of the boat but the right handed propeller in reverse is backing to port. Acting like a stern thruster pushing the boat to port. The port engine is in forward gear offset on the port side. Also pushing the stern to port, while maintaining little forward movement. It does not happen this way docking to Stbd. or twisting to Stbd..

I never use my wheel when docking my boat. The rudder stays in midship. Only use my engine shifters. If you’re at the Hontoon Island gathering I can demonstrate how this works.

For the owners with a single engine set up, I recommend you always tie your boat port side to the dock for this reason. Your propeller in reverse will make your stern go to the port. (in the direction of the dock) If we use propeller walk in our favor, just like wind, and current when maneuvering, it will make for a more predictable boat handling experience.

[Donald Tyson]

-Allright then, I trust you. Hopefully I'll be at Hontoon but not sure.....

"[quote="-Waypoint-"]This is very complicated to explain in a blog post. But here goes.

I never use my wheel when docking my boat. The rudder stays in midship. Only use my engine shifters. If you’re at the Hontoon Island gathering I can demonstrate how this works. "

[Xtraplus18]

Hi Waypoint,

Thank you for the excellent information.

Ed,
C-Handler