Paddle Wheel Effect/Transverse Thrust
A right-handed propeller turns clockwise (think of yourself as standing behind the propeller, looking forward). This means your vessel’s transverse thrust will be turning the bow to port (and stern to starboard) when applying forward propulsion. When holding a course, we naturally compensate for any transverse thrust, but it can be useful when docking.With a right-handed propeller, a quick spurt forward and the bow will go to port (stern to starboard). A quick spurt in astern, the bow will go to starboard (stern to port). There are influencing factors such as the prop size and speed, so test this theory in calm, flat water (with no current) and feel how your boat responds.

With a right-handed propeller, a quick spurt forward and the bow will go to port (stern to starboard). A quick spurt in astern, the bow will go to starboard (stern to port). There are influencing factors such as the prop size and speed, so test this theory in calm, flat water (with no current) and feel how your boat responds.

Excerpt from Cruisers’ AA (Accumulated Acumen)