Freewheeling Prop
Funny you should ask...there was a letter in the 01/15 issue of Practical Sailor which I think pretty much reflects the conventional wisdom on the subject. Here it is:Freewheeling Prop Re: the recent correspondence on prop drag and freewheeling (November 1, 2000). Surely the answer is straightforward. If you have a pressure-lubricated gear box (I believe Borg Warner for instance) under no circumstances freewheel as there will be no oil flow to the box. Hurth, one of the commonest boxes fitted to sailing boats and above all to Perkins/Westerbeke, definitely advises against freewheeling and goes as far as to suggest always engaging the reverse gear to hold the shaft. Reason: Lack of proper splash lubrication to the plates, which wear quickly if badly lubricated with ATF fluid. Unpressurized splash lubricated bevel gear boxes can probably freewheel safely. Patrick Matthiesen London, England Hope this sheds some light on your question. There was also a PS Advisor in a past issue that talked about it. If I can find it, I'll pass it on.Warren Blanchard