I recently bought a catalina 30 and it's my first boat with an inboard diesal engine. Do I leave the engine in gear (forward) while sailing or put it in neutral? Thanks for your help.
- Status
Neutral or Reverse with standard prop
Hi Jim - It's best for the transmission to leave the gear in neutral or reverse. Neutral lets the prop freewheel (vibration can be annoying), whereas leaving it in reverse locks the prop. The exception to this is if you have a Max prop, in which case you should let the prop find it's feathered position in forward or neutral. Trevor
Hi Jim - It's best for the transmission to leave the gear in neutral or reverse. Neutral lets the prop freewheel (vibration can be annoying), whereas leaving it in reverse locks the prop. The exception to this is if you have a Max prop, in which case you should let the prop find it's feathered position in forward or neutral. Trevor
Depends Upon The Transmission
Check with your dealer or engine rep. Some transmissions require the engine to be turning in order to provide lubrication. With the engine shut off, insufficient lubrication -- having the prop in forward or neutral can cause excessive wear on these transmissions. Putting it in reverse gear while sailing prevents that.
Check with your dealer or engine rep. Some transmissions require the engine to be turning in order to provide lubrication. With the engine shut off, insufficient lubrication -- having the prop in forward or neutral can cause excessive wear on these transmissions. Putting it in reverse gear while sailing prevents that.
Jim At the risk of repeating mysel, this website has one of the FASTEST and BEST search engines known to man. Try the link, there's over hundreds of answers to the word "gear." You could also try "transmission." Stu
- Status