"sean neill" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >Of course the paddlewheel effect is much less potent in a diesel boat >than in a steamer.
Why? I believe there is no corelation between the type of engine and this effect. However, I think there is a corelation between the effect and: - Propeller size (diameter and pitch) - Propeller speed of rotation - Profile of channel (the only explanation I've come up with as to why my barge performs so differently in reverse on different occasions) Also, different vessels will feel the effect differently, perhaps due to: - Draft - Clearance around the propeller - Profile of swim - etc. When I steered a pair of small Woolwichs breasted, I found it very useful that the momentum of the butty (always on the right, because it was shallower draft than the motor and thus the pair could more easily moor in more places) would turn the pair left when reversing, as that could be put to use when manoeuvring. One could also beneficially steer from the butty when in neutral, as its bigger rudder had more effect. In general, travelling breasted was to be avoided, as we ran slower than towing astern. Also, floating rubbish would get trapped between the boats, which could cause jamming in tight bridge holes or locks. Mostly did it only between close locks. It's easy to pick up the butty on cross straps when coming out of a lock, and not that much hassle to breast up again for the next broad lock, so why bother towing breasted in longer pounds? A butty being towed on cross straps really doesn't need a steerer IMHO. Adrian Adrian Stott 07956-299966
