I think it might be time for a little "How a boat is controlled 101".

Has anybody ever noticed that 99.9999% of all boats, surface as well as sub surface, ALL have their rudders in the stern? There's a reason for this and this is something that was learned the first time 2 guys ever rode a log using branches for paddles. ALL BOATS STEER BEST BY MOVING THE STERN TO POINT THE BOW IN WHICHEVER DIRECTION YOU WANT TO GO. This applies to rudders for turning as well as dive planes for depth change. Has anybody noticed how many full size submarines only have stern planes? Or "disappearing" bow planes? Albacore was originally built with bow planes which were removed fairly early in her career and never replaced. Anybody ever wonder why? I'll repeat - ALL BOATS STEER BEST BY MOVING THE STERN TO POINT THE BOW IN WHICHEVER DIRECTION YOU WANT TO GO. The pivot point is actually WAAAYYY ahead of the center of the boat. For all intents and purposes, the pivot point is the BOW ITSELF and NOT the center of gravity or center of the boat. Will oversized bow planes work? Yes, but certainly not as well as appropriately sized stern planes.

For the same reason, bow thrusters WILL NOT WORK when you're trying to make your boat turn better while underway. They'll work just fine IF MOUNTED IN THE STERN. As I said, though - while underway.

Skip Asay