Vlog 318: Gettin’ Twiggy With It
My journey from Ashwood Marina down to Stourport continues in “Twiggy”, the 20-foot long Microplus 600 cabin cruiser I just bought, and I might just be getting the hang of the steering. Maybe.
Go Boating!
Canal Life
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Fuel costs on a canal boat
January 23, 2024
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Canal boat exterior layouts
January 23, 2024
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Safety & security aboard a canal boat
January 23, 2024
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Canal boating: what’s it like in different seasons?
January 23, 2024
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Electricity on canal boats: nerdy detail
January 23, 2024
You might try a 4 blade prop instead of a 3 blade prop to improve handling at low speeds. If you do, be sure to go to a reputable prop shop so you can get advice on prop pitch and other prop features to get the best prop for your boat.
I live in the Netherlands and have a boat that is a similar size to yours. I can highly recommend a ‘ruddersafe’ or ‘coursekeeper’ for improving slow speed steering. I fitted one last summer after having trouble in marines. I have a ruddersafe 2 on my 8 horsepower yamaha. Even with no throttle it steers well.
enjoying your new ‘small boat’ films!!!
Richard
I presume that’s a small rudder attached to the outboard? The boat already has one!! Hard to believe, I know…
Thanks David, very cool boat and another great video. I loved the scenery…!
Cheerio…!
Thanks Jim!
The obvious joy you’re experiencing with the new boat is great to see.
And you keep calling it “her” and “Twiggy”. I can’t ever remember you using your narrowboat’s name at all, or giving it a gender.
Looking forward to your continued adventures.
P.S. Don’t know if you’re aware, but Twiggy is already a Youtube star (well, sort of. Viewing figures in the hundreds): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4nXkWMmO44
Hi. I’ve not intentionally gendered it, I think it’s absurd for inanimate objects. Are you sure I did?!! Yes, I saw those prior videos…
Yes, sorry, you did not. Was the woman on the dispatch who said “She’s love!y”.
“towpath”, not dispatch. (stupid autocorrect)
Sailboats have a keel just for the purpose of keeping them from sliding sideways in the wind. Perhaps some kind of similar device – a board, firmly attached to the side and extending a few feet in the water would help. Have to pick the right spot. See those Dutch sailing barques. I had a similar problem with my first 23 foot cruiser. At idle speed, it simply would not stay on line. It wandered left and right constantly. At speed, 15MPH and higher, it was fine. I was constantly swinging the wheel back and forth to go straight. A mechanic said it would cost $1,000 or more to fix. Ended up selling it and getting a larger boat. This larger boat (just 24 foot) is heavier and steers fine at idle speed.
Thanks Frank. I think I’m going to have to get used to it!