Why in america, are boat steering wheels, always on the right side, opposite of a car steering wheel?

Question

just a wierd thought, and didn't know if there was a particular reason, instead of putting the steering wheel on the same side as people are used to driving. lol thanks

Answer 1

you always dock a boat on that side.

Answer 2

In boats it has to do with the torque of the propeller. When in forward the prop turns clockwise and makes the boat motor want to take the boat to the right. I mean twist the boat so that the right side wants to twist to the water. The boat's natural reaction is to want to get back to straight or even in the water so it will try to twist back to the left. This back and forth action in faster boats is called chine walk. With a person setting on the right side the boat will not want to bonce back to the left as easy.

Answer 3

They are not always on the right side. Have you ever seen a center console?

Answer 4

I think it's because most folks are right handed and steer and operate gear shift with their right hand. Steering wheel and throttle control are on the right so you can watch a skiier over your left shoulder...also pulling to a dock is usually done on right side, so you have a better view...on the other hand, I'm a motorcycle type, so I may be fulla sh*t...K ;o)