In a right-handed propeller, going astern causes the stern to move to which side?

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Multiple Choice

In a right-handed propeller, going astern causes the stern to move to which side?

When you back a vessel with a right-handed propeller, the way the propeller rotates and the direction of thrust interact to create a yaw moment on the hull. A right-handed propeller rotates clockwise when viewed from the stern. In astern, the thrust is directed toward the bow, but the screw’s clockwise rotation still imposes a sideways reaction on the hull. This interaction tends to swing the stern to the left, toward port. So backing with a right-hand screw makes the stern move to port. Bow or fore aren’t lateral motions, and starboard would be the opposite side, which isn’t the observed effect in this setup.

When you back a vessel with a right-handed propeller, the way the propeller rotates and the direction of thrust interact to create a yaw moment on the hull. A right-handed propeller rotates clockwise when viewed from the stern. In astern, the thrust is directed toward the bow, but the screw’s clockwise rotation still imposes a sideways reaction on the hull. This interaction tends to swing the stern to the left, toward port. So backing with a right-hand screw makes the stern move to port. Bow or fore aren’t lateral motions, and starboard would be the opposite side, which isn’t the observed effect in this setup.

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