I have a major low speed control problem in a cross wind. My boat is a twin console18ft aluminum. It is heavily built, a broad 93”, with 27” freeboard, but hull shape is shallow vee. There are 2 outboards on transom, total wt 500 lbs, and a main 100L fuel tank at stern. I have lots of weight in the bow, a 100L fuel tank (usually full, as it is a back up tank) and anchor, chain, tools and other gear in a bow locker, probably at least another 150 lbs.
I usually return to the pull out ramp and adjacent dock, through a somewhat narrow channel with moored boats always on west side, and sometimes a few on east side dock. There is essentially no protection from an east wind. I follow harbour regulations and keep my speed to max 3 knots. At this speed, in a cross wind, I lose nearly all steerage as the bow keeps moving down wind towards the moored boats and the channel is not wide enough for me to kick the stern over to regain a straight course.
I cannot think of a good solution other than reckless speed to maintain steerage.
I have toyed with the idea of installing a removable keel dagger plate at the bow, to give me some lateral resistance to steer against. However, it would be difficult to strongly mount as a cantilever, and other than trial and error with expensive min 3/16” aluminum plates, it will be hard to determine how much plate area in the water would be required.
I would much appreciate any suggestions.
I usually return to the pull out ramp and adjacent dock, through a somewhat narrow channel with moored boats always on west side, and sometimes a few on east side dock. There is essentially no protection from an east wind. I follow harbour regulations and keep my speed to max 3 knots. At this speed, in a cross wind, I lose nearly all steerage as the bow keeps moving down wind towards the moored boats and the channel is not wide enough for me to kick the stern over to regain a straight course.
I cannot think of a good solution other than reckless speed to maintain steerage.
I have toyed with the idea of installing a removable keel dagger plate at the bow, to give me some lateral resistance to steer against. However, it would be difficult to strongly mount as a cantilever, and other than trial and error with expensive min 3/16” aluminum plates, it will be hard to determine how much plate area in the water would be required.
I would much appreciate any suggestions.
