CALCULATING WHEEL-OVER

POINT
1
 Handling Characteristics

 Turning Circle - The path followed by the pivot point of a ship during a
360 degree (or more) turn using a constant rudder and speed.

 The pivot point for most ships is about 2/3 the way aft from the bow
when the ship is going ahead.

 It is important to note that the bow turns inside the path of the turning
circle, and the stern swings outside the turning circle.
 Handling Characteristics

Typical Ship’s Turning Circle

 Handling Characteristics

 Advance - The distance gained in the original direction the ship was
traveling from the point that the rudder was put over to the point where
the ship is steady on the new course. The maximum advance will be for a
90-degree turn.
 Transfer - The distance gained, perpendicular to the original course
from the point where the rudder was thrown over, to the point where the
ship is steady on the new course.
 Tactical Diameter - The transfer of a vessel during a 180-degree turn.
 Final Diameter - The diameter of the approximate circular path that a ship
describes if the rudder is kept over indefinitely.
 Handling Characteristics

 Turn Bearings - In order to plot the position at which the ship must put
the rudder over (to turn onto a planned track), the figures for advance
and transfer must be calculated using interpolation, unless the specific
speed and rudder combination is defined in the tables.
 Should interpolation be necessary, the figure for transfer is used first to
find the point where the ship will be steady on the new track.
 The figure for advance is then used to determine where the rudder must
be put over in order to intercept the new track.
 Handling Characteristics

 Many means are provided to help keep a ship on track (i.e., specially
constructed ranges, direction lights,etc.).

 However, should nothing be provided specifically designed for the

purpose, it is often possible to select an object that the ship runs towards
and use as a head bearing.

 By knowing what the object should bear, the determine which side of
track the ship lies.
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