Twin rudders in a Marina

[CAVOK]

Just getting used to a new boat with twin rudders.Really enjoy the benefits when sailing, but I’m struggling to work out the bestbstrategy in marinas and other tight areas. With no prop was over the rudder, you only get steerage when you have 2-3 knots of boat speed. I have a bow thruster but that can have negative effects sometimes. Any advice from others with twin rudder experience. I could turn my previous yacht on a dime with no bow thruster and just using prop wash to bring the stern around.

[Dr. D]

My boat has the twin rudder with sail drive setup. I find it easier to maneuver than with single rudder and shaft drive.

2 to 3 kts to maneuver? Gosh, that is a lot. I have the boat in the slip with bow first. When departing, I back out and the rudders are effective by about half a knot. Going forward maybe a little more is needed.

After I bought the boat I hired an instructor to learn how to handle this configuration since it was new to me. After a couple of hours I understood the handling. More practice later and I got kind of comfortable. Perhaps you should check on sail academies in your area.

[CAVOK]

I’m in the Med with tight marinas and always stern to the dock.Even when moving forward I don’t get any turning moment until probably 2-3 knots

[Dallasron]

its a big difference! I have a center hung rudder but have chartered twin rudders in the med. You have to get your steerage in reverse and pretty much commit to the line you take and let the thruster take care of the bow. Start backing with plenty of room. hard forward to stop of course. I was in Greece with a guy that couldnt get it through his head that gunning in forward and spinning the help had no effect when dead in the water

[Lost Horizons]

Sail magazine recently had an article on the subject. You may find it helpful. I am surprised you do not get steerage below 2 knots. Something is not right.

https://www.sailmagazine.com/cruisin...h-twin-rudders