Outboard lock

[jonsy]

On my way back from Southbourne on Saturday in my FRIB , I experienced something which I would call outboard lock . It seemed I was caught on a wave and it did not matter which way I turned the tiller I could not get off until I let off the throttle . A bit like being in a car when you hit an icy patch and start sliding . Not experienced this before and made me think I had something wrapped around the prop , but all was clear . Not a new phenomena I don't suppose . Have you had a similar experience ?

[PeterM]

That's all sounds very 'odd' .

Do you mean you could turn the tiller but the boat didn't respond ?
The OB was stuck 'dead ahead' and you couldn't turn it ( until you reduced the revs ? )
You couldn't reduce the revs ?

Or any combo of the three ?

From what you have said I'd guess........... sometimes the load on the engine can make steering stiff - so coming off power reduced the load allowing you turn it ( but it should never be so big you cant push the tiller ! )

You may have had hugely reduced control authority if you were surfing a wave - no matter which way you push or pull the boats surfing ! ... coming off power means the wave passes under you and hey presto normal service resumes )

[jonsy]

Yes that was it explained fully in your last paragraph . There is a reason for everything I know .
Thank you .

[PeterM]

Ahhh - I see - TBH its one of the places you really never ever want to be in a boat - you are just a passenger at that point really ….If its a swell and you come off the power sometimes just the drag of the prop & boat will allow the wave to slide under you , in BIG waves then actually having to go astern is needed …. boat surfing isn't for the faint hearted or ill prepared ….


If the wave decides to break rather than just be a swell things can get really really bad - lots of youtube videos of broaching boats