Which description best characterizes the Anderson Turn?

• A. A 360-degree pivot at minimum speed
• B. A fastest recovery turn not suited for single-prop vessels executed when about two-thirds around with 2/3 or full stop engines and 15 degrees bow
• C. A stationary tight turn in place
• D. A wide arc trailing at half speed

Answer: (B)

The Anderson Turn is a rapid recovery maneuver used to reverse course quickly in tight situations, relying on generating a strong yaw with both propellers and a controlled bow angle. It’s designed to be the fastest way to change direction, so you perform it when you’re about two-thirds through the turn and want to finish with a short, quick pivot. Using set engine thrust at roughly two-thirds (or even stopping the engines as needed for the sequence) with the bow about 15 degrees off your original path gives you the quick cross-flow of water and rotational momentum to snap the vessel around efficiently. It isn’t suited for single-propeller boats because you don’t get the necessary yaw moment or responsive control to execute such a fast, precise reversal. The other described maneuvers are slower or designed for different situations: a 360-degree pivot at minimum speed, a stationary tight turn in place, or a wide-arc turn at half speed each serve different handling goals and won’t achieve the rapid course reversal that the Anderson Turn provides.