Handling on one engine

[redfish786]

I recently purchased a 1985 340 sundancer the port engine is running fine. i need to move the boat about one mile to a new marine i would like some input as to how the boat would handle on one motor in close quarters thanks in advance David

 

[electricaldoctor]

It will be difficult. Pick your weather, do some practising and make sure you have plenty of help to pull you in. Mine is a real beast to handle on one engine. Good luck.

 

[mjmason1]

It's not easy, but it can be done. Pray for no wind!

 

[SeaAyeOwe]

I recently purchased a 1985 340 sundancer the port engine is running fine. i need to move the boat about one mile to a new marine i would like some input as to how the boat would handle on one motor in close quarters thanks in advance David

I have no idea if you have power steering - but I was surprised to find after a few months that my 320 stern dive has only one ps pump on the starboard Motor - meaning when running on port only not only do you lose traction when maneuvering the steering is really tough. Also

 

[trflgrl]

I have no idea if you have power steering - but I was surprised to find after a few months that my 320 stern dive has only one ps pump on the starboard Motor - meaning when running on port only not only do you lose traction when maneuvering the steering is really tough. Also

Ditto--starboard has the power steering on mine, too. If your setup is similar, and your starboard engine will run at all, fire it up for docking and use whatever it will give you. We've had to wrestle it in on port only a couple of times and it's no fun.

But I agree with the others--practice where you are if you can, and have extra hands on board and at the new marina on the assumption you'll truly be running only on port.

Good luck!

 

[jthatcher]

Just had to do this a couple of months ago in the wind and it was not fun. Have help when docking.

 

[NorCal Boater]

The '80s 340da's were not offered with a stern drive and do not have power steering. They are a handful on one engine in close quarters. Don't be afraid to use your rudders while maneuvering around the docks. However, you will most likely need extra deck hands.

Don't forget to lock down the shaft on the in-op motor if you have dripless shaft seals.

 

[redfish786]

Thanks guys for the input. The boat has inboards so no power steering. I feel sure on a day with little to no wind it can be done taking it slow and easy


Thanks again for everyone in put
David

 

[bahamabreisus]

Are you a Tow Boat US member. They will probably tow you free.

 

[moparlvr4406]

no wind and have lots of people and lines on the boat and the dock
don't even attempt backing into a slip... you'll have your hands full

 

[mjmason1]

Remember that the motor that is running will turn you to the motor that is not. You have to turn the rudder towards the running motor to go straight. I had this problem a couple off weeks ago. I did the East River in NYC on one motor. I ran into a problem docking. They were skinny runways and I couldn't get the boat to turn to back in so I pulled bow in with no difficulty. As it turned out we had a beautiful view of the Statue of Liberty from our bridge. When you get to your new marina, if they have a padded work boat, have them give you a hand docking. It will relieve a lot of stress.

 

[Offshore57]

All the advice given here is spot on...we did exactly the same last month, although with port side only sterndrive motor last month. (so no power steering).... 12 miles to new boatyard berth. Picked the day and luckily the weather was good in terms of wind so we decided to go for it. Tricky getting on to new pontoon berth but made it without killing anyone, or hitting anything expensive, so all good in the end. Berth is great and replacement stbd motor now working a treat.

Best of luck with the move, I'm sure you will be fine..

 

[Captain Allen]

About 4 years ago, I had a cutless bearing to completely disintegrate. The owner of the small boatyard came and got it and ran it to his yard on one engine. He had a five-gallon bucket with a strong rope handle with him. He tied the bucket to a line on the side with power to produce drag and keep the boat relatively straight.

 

[moparlvr4406]

All the advice given here is spot on...we did exactly the same last month, although with port side only sterndrive motor last month. (so no power steering).... 12 miles to new boatyard berth. Picked the day and luckily the weather was good in terms of wind so we decided to go for it. Tricky getting on to new pontoon berth but made it without killing anyone, or hitting anything expensive, so all good in the end. Berth is great and replacement stbd motor now working a treat.

Best of luck with the move, I'm sure you will be fine..

OMG ....is that a SeaCamper in that picture ??