Really dumb boat question
 

Why are most boats right hand drive and some left hand drive? Based on the green light being on starboard and the red light being on port side, doesn’t this propose a safety hazard at night?

Also another dumb boat question: Someone told me that boats that are under a certain size couldn’t be painted black according to the laws of some states. Is there any truth to this?

Happy Holidays Everyone
Roby

That way the throttle can be on the right side. Many race boats have the throttle in the center so it can be throttled by a second person. Some people do opt for the helm to be on the left.

Item 2- I'd call bs on that one...

I know it makes docking and pulling up to the gas dock easier with the helm on starbord side. The fuel fills are on that side on my boat also.

I was always told the steering is on the right side so that when a single person operates the boat, the torque of the prop wants to make the boat lean left. The weight of the captain couteracts this torque and the boat rides more level than if the driver was on the left side.

I go with Ron on this one.

I have also noticed that some hull and prop sizes make docking on the port side very difficult with right hand drive.

West coast on port? Well they are on the left coast...

I thought it had to do with navigation. Funny it seems like I always have to dock on the port side whan I can't back in.

I guess the statement that said smaller boats can't be painted black is a fish story.

Roby

My votes with Ron P:)
That's the story I've alway heard. Also a lot of older jet boats with V8 IBs have the steering on the left. These have no torque from the prop but torque of the engine on the mounts and stringers. Standard rotation engine will tend to lift the left side of these boats , hence left hand steer.;)

What's even worse is driving a Postal Jeep all day, then getting in your car at night after a rough day, and you realize you are sitting on the wrong side!

Actually, that is exactly why Fountains have the sticks on the left. . . . little-known fact.