Message 13 of 14
Posted by member Mike Williams on Thursday 22 September 2011

Just an update on the slow speed handling issue. We had to re-engine our Hardy 25 and have fitted a new Volvo D3 diesel turbo & leg (duo props). Slow speed handling is very much improved. Heavens knows why, as our previous leg was duo prop too (Mercriuser Bravo 3). However, there is no denying the boat can creep along much slower (3knots) with some directional stability. Not a cheap option (£24K for engine & leg & fitting etc) but the new engine is very good. We didn't have any choice anyway if we wnated to go anywhere ! If anyone wants info on re-enginining with a Volvo D3 I am happy to chat about it. Mike

Add your comment | ^Top

Message 11 of 14
Posted by member Peterboo on Sunday 30 January 2011

giving it little kicks astern while hard over moving forwards you can control the bow direction to reset your heading then back to forwards.. l personally like using the prop walk to control and turn a boat round all with quick blasts forwards then hard over with astern you can spin any boat round on its axes as long as you keep the bow momentum moving in the same direction ...l have spun a millars 40' boat round between pontoon fingers this way ,best to play around in the outer harbour with plenty of room to get used to handling it ,l reverse my hardy boat out quick and turn half way round then forwards the other hand down and you can feel it stopping and sliding round on the spot as it tries to stop and turn at the same time you can birl it right round if you have enough backwards momentum ...crasher pete lol

Add your comment | ^Top

Message 9 of 14
Posted by member Rob Mchugh on Thursday 31 July 2008

Excellent advice about the trim tabs - will try it. Mind you my 24 has a bow thruster - guess that cheating though!

Add your comment | ^Top

Message 7 of 14
Posted by member Mike Williams on Sunday 15 June 2008

Tim, We also berth at the Mayflower Marina (Puffin of Rame) and have found out the hard way that Hardy 25 /26's do not steer well below 5 knots. We have investigated this and have now reached an 'understanding' with ech other & the boat. This can be summarised as follows: 1. Get the trim tabs fully done. As previously stated it helps a lot 2. When 'arriving' (we gave up the pretence we berthed a long time ago) have someone up the bow with a handheld to talk the cox in (or out). The tone of voice conveys the urgency of the situation as much as the words 3. On Volvo outdrives you can have a device which comes down below 5knots to act as an additional rudder and springs up out of the way above 5 kts. I believe it is called 'Ruddersafe'. I am told it works very well but it cannot be fitted to Mercruiser outdrives, which we have 4. If you do not have duo props but ever change your leg get them. Big improvement ! 5. Are you sure your steering is in good condition. Like eyesight or car brakes you adjust to deterioration. We had ours overhauled (ie replaced) and again big improvement 6. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Other than in calm conditions we ask the marina to come down and take lines also our 'neighbours' invariably come to help when we arrive. They claim it is out of altruism but we suspect self preservation of their hulls ! 7. Fit 'Docksafe' around the berth. A white D section impact absober it is secured to the finger pontoon. It is not cheap but a damn sight cheaper than repairs to the hull 8. Finally, do what I do. I gave up trying and persuaded my wife to helm and I would go up the bow. She does it better than I do becuase the slow speed handling scares me rigid but her nerves re made of stronger stuff - though she admits the Docksafe takes most of the worry away. You simply bounce off it without damage to the hull - we know, we inadvertently tried it! Despite being a pig to handle at low speed we love the Hardy 25 to bits. Good luck Mike

Add your comment | ^Top

Message 5 of 14
Posted by member Clive Palmer on Tuesday 25 May 2004

Hi Tim, You dont say if you have tabs fitted. I have tried several different combinations of tabs and leg heights. Try tabs down and leg up.

Add your comment | ^Top

Message 3 of 14
Posted by member Doug. Edgerton on Tuesday 19 August 2003

Our long wheel house Hardy 24 fishing boat has 180 HP 6 cylinder Volvo turbo drive all singing and dancing contra-rotating stern drive prop etc. I had the same problem in Brighton Marina. I would be swinging to port and starboard as I slewed the boat towards it's moooring. Eventually, I learned to stop over and understeering and allowed the boat to stabilise it's direction and then only make a small adjustments to bring her on course. The wind effect can be most disconcerting and even today an easterly gust will send me into my old habits and associated panic. Gently does it and if necessary, nudge the boat along by taking it in and out of gear with the wheel directed accordingly to give little kicks to port or starboard. When normally going along in gear keep all wheel movements small, wait for the effect to be clear before making any opposite, compensating, movements and again make the movement small. I don't know anyone who can steer such a Hardy in a straight line at low speed and so you're no different to the rest of us.

Add your comment | ^Top

Message 1 of 14
Posted by member Tim Healing on Sunday 13 April 2003

I have a hardy 24 fitted with a 165hp Volvo and contra rotating outdrive. I have not used the vessel much to date and the steering has developed a slow speed 5knots wander. By this I mean she requires nearly lock to lock wheel input to maintain a straight line. The outdrive and associated gear, cables etc are all in the original places and in good shape. Any advice would be greatly appreciated email address is tim@bankvole.demon.co.uk Thanks...Tim

Add your comment | ^Top