One of the most common concerns mentioned by many navigators and pilots, is the uncertainty as to which way the bow will "swing", if at all, when a CPP is put astern.

It is necessary first to know which way the propeller is turning when it is viewed from astern. The majority of the CPP are left handed, they move in an anticlockwise direction. The effect however, is similar to a fixed pitch right-handed propeller working astern, the bow may "swing" to starboard.

It is important to note that the transverse thrust on some ships with CPP may be weak and unreliable, due to vortices or turbulence around the propeller blades. It is therefore advisable to exercise some caution when anticipating the effects of stern power on some CPP ships.

CPP's are very practical because by modifying the pitch they allow for thrust optimization under different load conditions.

It is possible to set the propeller pitch for extremely low speeds, so when it is essential to proceed at very slow speeds, the propeller and rudder are still active and steerageway can be maintained for a lot longer than usual.

When "low speed" or "stop" are demanded, the blades of the CPP are set with a very dine angle and pitch. If the ship’s speed is too high and does not already match the propeller speed, the flow of water through it will be restricted and turbulence will develop behind the propeller, which will also have an adverse effect upon the rudder.

If the ship's speed is not reduced slowly and progressively, in much the same way as a large directional unstable ship, the rudder will be shielded and the steering may become erratic or poor.