Towing & Ship-Assist · Maneuvering — Backing a Tow
A major limitation of a long made-up push tow is that when backing (reversing), the tow:
- ACannot move at all
- BStops instantly with full control
- CSteers exactly as it does going ahead
- DSteers poorly and tends to jackknife, since the steering forces now act at the wrong end✓ Correct
Explanation
Going ahead, the towboat's rudders/steering thrust at the stern of the unit control the tow. Backing reverses the geometry: the steering forces are now effectively at the leading end, so the tow is hard to control and tends to jackknife. Backing a long tow is done slowly and sparingly.
Authority: Towing ship-handling references
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