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Author Topic:   Port or Starboard steering

Binkster posted 01-03-2014 08:46 AM ET (US)
I'm getting ready to mount the steering in the custom 24" wide center console that I built for my 15' Whaler. The seating will be a 34" RPS style seat with the fuel tank mounted under the RPS seat centered behind the console. The starting battery will be mounted in the console on the starboard side.
The choice for steering would be center mount or port side or starboard side on the dash on the console. I ruled out center mount which would put the driver in the center of the RPS seat and no room for a passenger on either side.
All the pictures I've seen of small center console and even larger center console Whalers the steering is mounted on the port side. Why is this? On all side console boats the console and steering is mounted on the starboard side, same with boats with full width dashboards. I was told years ago and believe that the reason for the starboard steering is to combat the torque of right hand prop turning outboards. OK, so if this is true why port side steering on center consoles?
rich
Plotman posted 01-03-2014 09:03 AM ET (US)
I believe that side steering is typically on the starboard side of small boats both because of prop torque as well as so that a gunwale mounted throttle/shift lever can be operated with the right hand.
On my center console 22 outrage, because the throttles are on the right side of the console, whenever we squeeze two people on to the leaning post, the operator is to the right so as not to have to reach across the passenger to manipulate the throttles. The wheel is centerline.
So, my advice is that your choice would depend on how you mount the throttle control. If it is a binnacle mount, I would assume it would go to the right side of the console. On my 15, I have the old-style OMC shifter mounted on the gunwale while the wheel in on the small console.
Where my butt goes on the seat depends on who else is in the boat...
Jefecinco posted 01-03-2014 10:13 AM ET (US)
For reasons of habit only, probably because my first boat had a starboard mounted wheel, I prefer to approach the dock starboard to the dock. When single handing this makes it easier for me to get hold of a piling, cleat or line and secure the boat along side.
My Sport 13 has starboard steering but the 190 Montauk has port steering. I seldom single hand the Montauk so it's not a big deal.
I would go for starboard mounted wheel and binnacle.
Butch
Binkster posted 01-03-2014 10:17 AM ET (US)
I agree, the throttle control which will be a binnacle mount, should be mounted on the starboard side of the console. It will be mounted on that side regardless of the placement of the steering which goes on a dashboard on the front side of the console with a 20 degree bezel. For starboard steering I would have to reach over the steering wheel to operate the throttle/shifter, with port steering the throttle shifter would be to the right of the wheel, which might work out better.
rich
wezie posted 01-04-2014 10:57 AM ET (US)
Visibility.
Rules of the Road.
The boat on the right has the right of way.
Operating positions on the right side of the boat give a less obstructed view of the danger zone.
Center consoles do tend to confuse the issue by placing occupants and controls closer together. Given the position for the throttle is on the top of the console vs the side of the boat, space becomes an issue.
The 170 has the wheel to the left side, with throttle on the right.
It is actually set up for one person at the console. My passenger; however, is usually on the left.
Generally, I try to keep to the right side of the issue!
Have a great 2014!
Chuck Tribolet posted 01-05-2014 10:52 PM ET (US)
My'97ish Montauk console has the steering to port of the
the centerline, the throttles to starboard. Is this port or
starboard steering? FWIW, I usually stand a touch to port
of the centerline, Adm. Linda usually sits a touch to starboard
riding backwards on the RPS Seat.
Whatever works.

Chuck

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Author	Topic: Port or Starboard steering
Binkster	posted 01-03-2014 08:46 AM ET (US) I'm getting ready to mount the steering in the custom 24" wide center console that I built for my 15' Whaler. The seating will be a 34" RPS style seat with the fuel tank mounted under the RPS seat centered behind the console. The starting battery will be mounted in the console on the starboard side. The choice for steering would be center mount or port side or starboard side on the dash on the console. I ruled out center mount which would put the driver in the center of the RPS seat and no room for a passenger on either side. All the pictures I've seen of small center console and even larger center console Whalers the steering is mounted on the port side. Why is this? On all side console boats the console and steering is mounted on the starboard side, same with boats with full width dashboards. I was told years ago and believe that the reason for the starboard steering is to combat the torque of right hand prop turning outboards. OK, so if this is true why port side steering on center consoles? rich
Plotman	posted 01-03-2014 09:03 AM ET (US) I believe that side steering is typically on the starboard side of small boats both because of prop torque as well as so that a gunwale mounted throttle/shift lever can be operated with the right hand. On my center console 22 outrage, because the throttles are on the right side of the console, whenever we squeeze two people on to the leaning post, the operator is to the right so as not to have to reach across the passenger to manipulate the throttles. The wheel is centerline. So, my advice is that your choice would depend on how you mount the throttle control. If it is a binnacle mount, I would assume it would go to the right side of the console. On my 15, I have the old-style OMC shifter mounted on the gunwale while the wheel in on the small console. Where my butt goes on the seat depends on who else is in the boat...
Jefecinco	posted 01-03-2014 10:13 AM ET (US) For reasons of habit only, probably because my first boat had a starboard mounted wheel, I prefer to approach the dock starboard to the dock. When single handing this makes it easier for me to get hold of a piling, cleat or line and secure the boat along side. My Sport 13 has starboard steering but the 190 Montauk has port steering. I seldom single hand the Montauk so it's not a big deal. I would go for starboard mounted wheel and binnacle. Butch
Binkster	posted 01-03-2014 10:17 AM ET (US) I agree, the throttle control which will be a binnacle mount, should be mounted on the starboard side of the console. It will be mounted on that side regardless of the placement of the steering which goes on a dashboard on the front side of the console with a 20 degree bezel. For starboard steering I would have to reach over the steering wheel to operate the throttle/shifter, with port steering the throttle shifter would be to the right of the wheel, which might work out better. rich
wezie	posted 01-04-2014 10:57 AM ET (US) Visibility. Rules of the Road. The boat on the right has the right of way. Operating positions on the right side of the boat give a less obstructed view of the danger zone. Center consoles do tend to confuse the issue by placing occupants and controls closer together. Given the position for the throttle is on the top of the console vs the side of the boat, space becomes an issue. The 170 has the wheel to the left side, with throttle on the right. It is actually set up for one person at the console. My passenger; however, is usually on the left. Generally, I try to keep to the right side of the issue! Have a great 2014!
Chuck Tribolet	posted 01-05-2014 10:52 PM ET (US) My'97ish Montauk console has the steering to port of the the centerline, the throttles to starboard. Is this port or starboard steering? FWIW, I usually stand a touch to port of the centerline, Adm. Linda usually sits a touch to starboard riding backwards on the RPS Seat. Whatever works. Chuck