Quote:
Originally Posted by RedLS1GTO
From someone else with a hell of a lot of time driving ships (not many single screw), I'd say that is pretty f-ing spot on. Bolded was my first thought as well. 
Side note for those who may be interested, that's (most likely) what f-ed the Titanic. People panic and slam the bitch full astern. The reality is that it's usually about the worst thing you can do. ...kind of similar to slamming the brakes on ice in a car. |
Yup. What people forget is that without forward thrust from the prop, the rudder is basically useless. I've got a little bit of seat time in running a single screw and there's basically no directional control in reverse. You have to get your momentum in the right direction when in forward gear, THEN grab reverse and hope you've got enough momentum to overcome wind and current, and overcome prop walk.