Twice this season, I lost my port engine and both times attempted to limp back to my slip. When engaging starboard engine in forward and turning wheel to starboard, the bow goes to port even with increased throttle. When turning the wheel to port, the bow goes to port, the way it should.
When engaging starboard engine in reverse and turning wheel, the boat turns the way it should.
Any suggestions? I’m perplexed!
What you're describing is 100% normal for a twin-screw inboard boat. If you go nearly hard over on the wheel to starboard with only the starboard engine in gear, you should be able to maintain a straight course. Your ability to actually turn to starboard will be greatly reduced though. As an example, for my boat when there's only a single engine in gear, I need to maintain the rudders at about 70% hard over towards the engine in gear just to maintain a straight course.
This is because the starboard propeller is off center and therefore pushes the boat to the port, and vice-versa. This is why twin-screws are so easy to maneuver with just the gear selectors and can spin on a dime.
It may be something specific with that model--rudders may too small. But I'd check to make sure the rudders are making full and equal travel in both directions. Can you steer straight with just the port engine in gear? Is there an autopilot fitted? If so, what rudder angle can be achieved in each direction?
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