It's not always that simple. Models that have excellent manoeuvrability usually require constant hands on corrections whereas models with good directional stability tend to go where they are pointed.

In the end I have always found that it depends on knowing the steering characteristics of your model. My best steering boat had a single screw and rudder but I knew just how it would behave in almost every situation. Having lots of different controls and thrusters can sometimes make things more difficult rather than easier.

Colin

Hi Paul,

just to muddy your thoughts, we've had a "diving duck", a submarine, and a fully rigged with sails thames barge all win on a steering course competition. A lot depends on the course layout and weather too, wind can be a great asset, or a total equaliser on a course. Also knowing your boat, and what happens to the stern as soon as power is applied, and most important of all, you need very good eyesight as on board cameras are not permitted – yet.

As Colin quite rightly points out, it is the skill of the skipper that really counts, you can have all the power and manoeuvrability but one rash control movement, or the tug in the wrong position and everything goes t*%@ up!

Nice to see some rules though, and as Dave W says, you have to watch the experts to appreciate the skills.

Kimmo

Hi Paul Tug towing is not steering it is team work. It doesn't matter how good the model is , it is being in the right place at the right time to ensure that the tow is where you want it to be. I see the real stuff almost every day of the week and that's the core of the job .The design of the tug or type of propulsion system used on a model can be a factor but it's not the determining factor.Many of the best tug towing enthusiasts have been out with their full size counter parts which is a real advantage. Just to see these top tug towing modellers work a big tow you would think they could read each others minds.

Dave Wooley