Which way do the propellers turn on a three engine boat?

Question

Which way do the propellers turn on a three engine boat?

Answer 1

In reality, they CAN all be the same, but you'd get some HUGE torque steer and the boat wouldn't go straight..it would appear to go straight, but it would be going in a diagonal line instead. Yes, usually they install 2 clockwise engines and one counterclockwise engine for expense purposes...counter-clockwise engines are also called "counter-rotating" engines, meaning that that particular propeller turns opposite of the other engine(s) on the boat to eliminate torque steer and straighten the path of the boat. Counter-rotating engines are more expensive because they have to reverse all operation of the lower unit on that particular engine.

Answer 2

2 clockwise and 1 counter-clockwise. You could have it the other way but the clockwise rotation engine is cheaper. When docking the center engine is usually not used and the opposite rotation of the two outside engines cancels any prop walking at the stern of the boat

Answer 3

They can all be the same, almost pointless to  change just one of them. The only real issue would with a rapid start and the tendency to kick the stern to one side, no big deal. There is dual prop counter rotating devices available if you have a need for a straight shot out of the hole. You may have a hole in your wallet, they are expensive.