bow rudders

[Roderick Smith]

Tony Khephre mentioned double-ended ferries in Auckland (NZ); the style was also common in Sydney, Hobart & Melbourne (Australia, with some transfer between the trio, plus cascading to Qld).  However, the style evolved quickly from double-ended steam with side paddle wheel to double ended steam with screw.  The aim was for rapid turnaraounds on short high-density cross-harbour workings.

PS Marion is single ended, but uses its tinnie (work boat) as a bow thruster for tricky dockings and departures.  I was in the wheelhouse one day when the captain was having great trouble coming around in high wind after a tourism stop; the thrusting of the workboat was essential.
The large PV Murray Princess (stern wheel) has bow thrusters.

Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor

[Brian]

It must be borne in mind that for Bow Rudders to work the vessel must be under way, and the bow rudder may be some what smaller that the main rudder at the stern, and thus bow rudders may not be so effective than the main rudder.

With Bow Thrusters they would be effective if the vessel was not under way, as these units are in effect Tranverse Screw Propulsion units. These are fitted on modern big ships (with screw propulsion) so that they can come alongside or leave their mooring berth without (or minimal) tug assistance.
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