Can Boats Go In Reverse? Here Are The Facts (For Beginners)

Have you ever wondered if boats can move in reverse, and if so, how?

The short answer is yes, moving in reverse is a maneuver often required in boating, usually when docking or launching from a ramp.  This article shows you everything you need to know about reversing boats and more.

Reversing, or moving astern, is not as intuitive as it may seem.  However, if you follow our tips, you will master this critical skill in no time.

Did you know that large oceangoing ships can also move in reverse?

Moving astern is vital for large vessels as it helps to slow the ship down when necessary and helps when the ship is maneuvering in a harbor.

Important Note (Before We Start)

First, realize that your particular propulsion system affects how your boat will perform when reversing.

Inboard motors use a rudder, which is different from outboard and inboard/outboard(I/O, also known as sterndrive) motors.

Your particular type of propulsion system will affect how your boat performs when moving astern.

If you have multiple engines, your boat will also react differently but, ultimately, multiple engines offer more versatility when moving astern.

Maneuvering a boat is nothing like moving a car because boats do not stop immediately or change direction easily.  Many well-intentioned boaters damage their boats and docks from careless mistakes while moving astern.

Practicing moving astern in open water and at deserted piers and docks will help reduce mishaps and increase your abilities.

Tips for Successfully Moving a Boat in Reverse:

Steering a boat in reverse requires complete situational awareness.

You must be fully aware of all obstacles and hazards in the area.

If you have passengers, have them act as spotters to ensure safety when moving astern.

Follow these tips to ensure you can reverse your boat safely and effectively:

1). Give Yourself A Lot of Space

Moving backward in a boat is always precarious.

You will often be in crowded areas and have many hazards to contend with.

Please give yourself a wide birth when you are first starting, and remember: Whether you are a pro or novice, it’s important to have plenty of room to maneuver your boat when moving astern.

When you become proficient, leave ample space between your boat, the dock, and other people’s boats. Always make sure your bow doesn’t swing into other boats or people when reversing.

2) Slow Is Better

Never get into a rush when moving in reverse.

Always start by placing the throttle at the lowest possible power.  It is also best to place the rudder or engine amidships (centered) before ensuring predictable initial movement.

Boats can move in unpredictable ways. Moving at slow initial speeds allows you time to react.

3) Be Aware of Your Surroundings

You must be aware of every obstacle, hazard, and person around the boat, as previously stated.

There is always danger lurking for those who do not pay attention, from submerged rocks to unexpectedly shallow water.

Always be on the lookout for shallow water, obstacles, hazards, and especially people in the water around you.

4) Consider Wind and Current

In addition to being aware of your surroundings, you must consider wind and current and how it might affect your boat’s trajectory.

Like a leaf on the water, a boat is also subject to wind and current forces and will drift accordingly.

Knowing how your boat reacts to current and windy conditions is paramount when attempting reversing maneuvers.

Wind will always impact your boat’s drift; however, you can reduce its effects by lowering Bimini tops and opening windows.  With practice, you can ensure success even in windy and high current conditions.

5) Know How your Boat Pivots in Reverse

Several factors influence how your boat moves when in reverse.

A craft with a rudder moves differently than a boat with a sterndrive or an outboard.  With sterndrives(I/O) and outboards, the propeller itself rotates to turn the boat. 

With rudder steering, the rudder turns, and the propeller remains fixed.

Your type of propulsion will affect how your boat pivots when moving astern. Your boat’s shape also plays a role in how it will behave when moving backward.

Longer and larger boats will be more cumbersome in reverse and have a greater arc around the pivot point.

6) Learn the Concept of Counter Steering

The idea behind counter steering is to react appropriately to the drift of your boat.

If you notice your boat is starting to drift in the wrong way, you should turn in the opposite direction to oppose the drift.  This can be tough at first, but keep in mind that you are redirecting the motor’s thrust when you steer.

Changing the direction of thrust(steering) to counter the boat’s drift or counter-steering can save you from a collision when moving astern.

Be careful not to over-correct for drift when counter-steering.

Reversing a Boat with a Steering Wheel:

Now that you understand the general idea let’s discuss the most typical situation: a boat with a steering wheel.

When you are underway and moving forward, your steering wheel will turn your boat to the left when turned left and to the right when you turn right.

When moving astern, the steering wheel moves the boat’s BACK in the direction you turn the wheel.

If you turn the wheel to the left while in reverse, the boat’s back will go to the left and vice versa.

Remember that a boat will continue to drift in the last direction you moved, and turn the wheel accordingly.

Reversing a Boat with a Single Outboard:

Single outboards are among the easiest boats to maneuver in most situations.

With an outboard, the entire motor moves when you turn the steering wheel or move the tiller handle.

Tiller is another word for control handle and will normally allow you to control the throttle and the boat’s direction.

Tiller Steering:

The tiller is another name for a control handle on an outboard motor.

Tillers are common on fishing boats and can be used in both freshwater and saltwater.

Here are tips to help you steer with the tiller in reverse:

• To reverse in a straight line, set the tiller so that its handle points directly to the bow. Keep the power low and the tiller in a straight line.
• To reverse to the left, turn the tiller to the right. Be sure to face the stern during this maneuver.
• To reverse to the right, push the tiller to the left. This will reverse the stern of the boat to the right.

Remember that the stern moves in the opposite direction; you turn the tiller and always move at low speed.

Inboard/Outboard Motors (Stern Drive):

Inboard/Outboard motors or stern drives are unique and combine an inboard’s power with an outboard’s maneuverability.

As with an outboard, the propeller turns when you turn the steering wheel.

Sterndrive boats will operate in reverse, similar to an outboard, but you will not always be able to see the direction that the drive is facing.

Make sure to familiarize yourself with a sterndrive boat, so you know how it behaves in reverse.  It is important to understand too that the transom can be lower on these boats.

When the transom is lower, water may come over the back when moving in reverse, but most boats have drains in front of the transom for this reason.

Reversing a Single Engine Inboard Boat:

Reversing a single-engine inboard boat can be tricky due to the effects of the rudder.

Boats with a rudder have a fixed propeller, and the rudder acts as a sort of wing in the water. Boats with a rudder can also have a more pronounced pivot effect in reverse.

Knowing how a boat with a rudder moves and pivots is key, so always be sure to make practice runs in open water before maneuvering near docks or piers.

Reversing a Twin-Engine Boat:

Twin-engine boats offer more versatility when moving astern.

Since you can control each propeller’s speed, you can use the engines to make small changes in direction.

With two engines, you can use the throttles independently to change the direction of travel.

This will not be necessary in most cases, but you can power down one engine to move slower or make minor corrections when reversing.

Remember that the engines or rudders will move simultaneously (in tandem) when you turn the wheel.

Final Thoughts:

Moving astern is a vital skill in boating.

Remember these tips and familiarize yourself with your boat to ensure a safe trip for you and your passengers. 

With practice, you will master reversing maneuvers in no time.

I wish you pleasant travels, fair winds, and calm waters.  Be safe out there!