Types of Boat Steering

by Kyle McBride

Overview

The term "boat" covers such a wide variety of sizes and models of water vehicle. With this broad spectrum of floating conveyance comes a variety of different steering systems.
Foils

One of the most basic forms of steering is a foil or rudder. On sailing vessels, the rudder will have a foil shape like a symmetrical airplane wing. This foil generates lift and is very efficient.

Vectored-Thrust

Vectored-thrust refers to outboard-motor type applications and also jet-ski type drives. These operate by turning the outboard motor or discharge nozzle and applying power.
Tiller Control

A tiller is a wooden or metal member mounted directly to the rudder either on top for a transom-mount rudder or to the rudder-post in the case of an under-mounted rudder.
Steering Wheel

Steering wheels are the most common way of controlling the rudder. The wheel might turn a chain that turns a steering-shaft that runs to a steering-box, or it might work on a system of cables and pulleys, or it might power a small hydraulic system.
Other Considerations

Wheel-walk is the phenomenon created by a wheel (propeller) turning in the water. Imagine looking at the stern of a boat headed away from you. If the propeller is turning clockwise, it will try to "roll" to the right like a wheel.