Posted by Fred O on October 10, 2002 at 19:36:19:
In Reply to: Steering wheels posted by S.K Miller on September 09, 2002 at 10:37:13:
: Why are the steering wheels on the right side of boats?
My understanding is because the torque from
spinning props - tends to life the starboard side of a vessel - so it helps keep vessel more level (under power), by putting helmsmen or "driver" station, on the right side of a boat! With driver's weight on port side of boat - the effect of spinning prop's torque would be twice as great in dis-leveling boat.
That's one explanation I've heard. The ideas from Vikings also is interesting. They were a mean bunch too.
Fred