ZF 12M transmission 2:1

CYQK

.
Sep 11, 2009
576
beneteau first 42 kenora
Ordering a new one from the west coast
All along the wisdom was to leave the trans in reverse when sailing
Was told yesterday that now its best to leave in neutral
Anyone have thoughts on this?
Thks
 
Jan 11, 2014
11,323
Sabre 362 113 Fair Haven, NY
Follow the transmission's manual instructions. We have a new Z12M 2.63 transmission and leave it in neutral. Plan on changing the transmission fluid at 25 hours. The transmission will hold .6 quarts of ATF, so buy 2 quarts of the same kind and you'll get 3 fluid changes with only a few ounces extra. I don' mix and match ATF brands.

Also be aware that this is not a drop in replacement for the old Kanzaki transmission. When we replaced our Kanzaki, it required a new mounting plate, new bolts, new flange, and new (longer) shift cable.
 
Feb 26, 2004
22,760
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
All along the wisdom was to leave the trans in reverse when sailing
Was told yesterday that now its best to leave in neutral
Anyone have thoughts on this?
That "Wisdom" as you perceive it is simply incorrect.
What everyone HAS been saying,, literally for deacdes, is this:
Follow the transmission's manual instructions.
Do a search on "transmission position" and see.

What I have on MY boat may not be what YOU have on yours.

The ONLY thing that matters is what YOU install on your boat.

Which is pretty much true for just about anything.

Good luck. Happy motoring. :)
 

Joe

.
Jun 1, 2004
7,999
Catalina 27 Mission Bay, San Diego
Ordering a new one from the west coast
All along the wisdom was to leave the trans in reverse when sailing
Was told yesterday that now its best to leave in neutral
Anyone have thoughts on this?
Thks
Absolute wisdom is to always follow manufacturer's recommendation. Instead of polling a random group of opinionated non-professionals, seek the direct authority of the builder's engineers and designers. Practically always found in the operating manual and, more importantly, in the warranty clauses.
I've sailed on other people's boats who require locking the driveshaft so the 2 bladed prop is positioned to minimize transmission wear and maximize hull efficiency.... so in or out of gear is not even a consideration because they immobilize the whole drive train. Go figure.