When moving backwards with a single screw right-handed prop, which direction should you expect your bow to turn?

When moving backwards with a single screw right-handed propeller, the bow of the vessel will tend to turn to the starboard side due to the direction of the propeller's rotation. A right-handed propeller, when viewed from the stern, rotates clockwise. This rotation creates a force that pushes the stern to port and causes the bow to move toward starboard.

The hydrodynamic effects around the hull also contribute to this behavior. As the stern is pushed to the left (port side), the bow is effectively forced to move towards the right (starboard). This effect is particularly pronounced in vessels with a single screw, where the absence of a counteracting propeller further amplifies the turning tendency.

Understanding this behavior is crucial for maneuvering a vessel, especially in tight spaces or when conducting operations such as docking or anchoring. Recognizing the relationship between propeller rotation and vessel direction allows a captain to effectively control the vessel's movement and anticipate changes in course.