In reverse, which rudder action is recommended to go straight?

In reverse, which rudder action is recommended to go straight?

• A. Left rudder
• B. No rudder
• C. All rudders
• D. Right rudder

Answer: (D)

When backing a vessel, the effect of the rudder is opposite to what you feel when moving forward. The water flow and propeller thrust in reverse create a yaw tendency that aims to push the stern off course in the opposite direction of the rudder input. To counter this and keep a straight line, you apply rudder toward the right. This small correction helps balance the backing motion and maintains a straight track. Steering left would amplify the deviation, while no rudder allows the boat to drift, and using full rudder would overcorrect.

When backing a vessel, the effect of the rudder is opposite to what you feel when moving forward. The water flow and propeller thrust in reverse create a yaw tendency that aims to push the stern off course in the opposite direction of the rudder input. To counter this and keep a straight line, you apply rudder toward the right. This small correction helps balance the backing motion and maintains a straight track. Steering left would amplify the deviation, while no rudder allows the boat to drift, and using full rudder would overcorrect.