Prop walk - nuisance but not of much use

[swhfire21]

I’ve been running single engine sailboats for years and became quite adept at back and fill and using prop walk (to stbd). I’m finding that trying to use prop walk on the 28 TE in the slightest opposing wind or current is almost useless and that the boat is really dependent on the bow thruster (I’m loving the handling provided by the bow thruster). Am I the only one that finds the prop walk of the 28 to be nothing more than a slight annoyance to be considered while backing?

[Tree]

I can only prop walk mine to starboard which is handy for me reversing into my slip. Even hard over to port, she still prop walks to starboard astern.

[swhfire21]

I back in “port to” almost exclusively due to the predominant wind direction at my slip. Between wind and thruster it’s a cake walk. I usually leave rudder to starboard so I can thrust stern to port with burst of forward if need

[Nancy]

Prop walk on a 28 is a fantasy! Doesn't matter how you turn the wheel or use the throttle -- within a short distance, she only backs straight. To back up the boat without the bow thruster, you have to position the bow using forward gear and the wheel, and then put her in reverse. Little bumps in forward and reverse, returning to neutral almost immediately. Nothing dramatic, no heroics.

[carolmarie]

Wow Nancy that’s pretty dramatic!
After operating our 2001, 28TE for twenty three+ years I couldn’t disagree with you more (, if that’s OK.)
It exhibits “great” prop walk.
Once the boat is in position I give the throttle a brief but significant blast in reverse and quickly return to neutral.
Works for me.

[Nancy]

Glad it works for you, Don, and no problem on the disagreement. It wasn't just me -- a number of people tried it on our 28 all to no avail.

There are a couple of different rudder shapes. Maybe that makes a difference.

[swhfire21]

I have a noticeable, but not useful amount of prop walk to stbd. I’ve found it’s not sufficient to help in a back and fill maneuver if there’s any significant breeze from port. The bow simply drops off faster than the stern does. It’s much easier and faster to use the thruster if there’s any significant opposing breeze. It’s the only way to round her up within her own length under these conditions .