 Steering was controlled by a single balanced rudder , which gave the ships excellent maneuverability . The rudder was augmented with special steering system on the engine transmissions ; they had gears that could drive half of the engines astern and half forward allowed the screws to assist in turning the ship at sharper angles . The ships tended toward lee helm in general conditions , but in heavy wind , they suffered from weather helm . Both vessels also suffered from severe leeway at low speeds , and the effect was especially pronounced for Nürnberg , owing to her larger superstructure . 
