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Calculating the turning circle. Manoeuvring in harbour
Calculating it roughly: a displacement boat turns within about three boat lengths with the helm
hard over,
and considerably tighter with a bow thruster.
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The turning circle depends on hull shape, rudder area and speed. With too little way on, the rudder has nothing to bite on; with too much, the circle opens out instead of tightening. In harbour this is the most common misjudgement: creeping along out of caution costs you your steerage way.
Manoeuvring damage in harbour is an everyday occurrence. It hits your own topsides, the boat alongside or the pontoon, and it usually happens when there is any wind, as the bow swings away before the rudder takes hold.
All three cases can be insured: your own boat through comprehensive hull cover, the neighbouring boat and the pontoon through third party liability. Even so, it is worth trying out your turning circle once in open water before you need it in a box berth.
Frequently asked questions
Is manoeuvring damage insured?
On your own boat through comprehensive hull cover,
on other people's boats and on pontoons through third party liability.
Why is my boat harder to turn at low speed?
Because the rudder needs water flowing over it.
Too little way on means the rudder has little effect.
Worked out for your type of boat
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