Counter-Rotation

Counter-Rotation

On boats with 2 outboards or sterndrives, it is common to have the propellers counter-rotate or turn in opposite directions. This arrangement cancels out the steering torqued that would be created if the props spun the same direction. The most common arrangement for the drives is to have the right-hand rotation unit mounted on the starboard side of the stern and the left-hand rotation unit on the port side. This arrangement minimizes the likelihood that the prop wash created by the props will cause the propellers to ventilate. This is not the only arrangement in use though, so always make sure you know which prop goes on which drive before mounting your props.