I have a Catalina 30 and I would like to know if anyone knows if when sailing the engine should be in gear or in neutral. I have looked thru my engine manuels and I do not find this information any where. I have a yanmar 12 hp. I would appreciate any information on this subject.
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Roger
Divided Opinion
Phillip, I asked the same question last year on this forum. In a Barbeboat Chartering course I was taught to put it in reverse while sailing, but then was told by a friend to let the prop freewheel in neutral to increase speed. The consensus from the replies was that while there was a very small speed increase from freewheeling, it was hard on the transmission and stuffing box. For myself, I have decided to err on the side of caution and lock it down while under sail. Maybe in a race (offcial or otherwise) I might go for the small fraction of a knot I could pick up by freewheeling the prop. But I don't plan on doing much club racing. If you search the archives you can find the whole three or four part conversation. Good luck with your 30. I love my 27. Roger
Phillip, I asked the same question last year on this forum. In a Barbeboat Chartering course I was taught to put it in reverse while sailing, but then was told by a friend to let the prop freewheel in neutral to increase speed. The consensus from the replies was that while there was a very small speed increase from freewheeling, it was hard on the transmission and stuffing box. For myself, I have decided to err on the side of caution and lock it down while under sail. Maybe in a race (offcial or otherwise) I might go for the small fraction of a knot I could pick up by freewheeling the prop. But I don't plan on doing much club racing. If you search the archives you can find the whole three or four part conversation. Good luck with your 30. I love my 27. Roger
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Sean
Free Wheeling
I have the same engine in my 30. I used to always free wheel the prop for about 5 years until I read on this forum that I should be locking it in reverse. The next time out I locked it in reverse. It didn't seem to affect the boat much. However, when it came time to start the engine, I couldn't get it out of reverse. After much tinkering and forcing the shifter, I finally got it into neutral. I am back to free wheeling again. I really don't think it affects the transmission any. I've been doing it for seven years. Sean
I have the same engine in my 30. I used to always free wheel the prop for about 5 years until I read on this forum that I should be locking it in reverse. The next time out I locked it in reverse. It didn't seem to affect the boat much. However, when it came time to start the engine, I couldn't get it out of reverse. After much tinkering and forcing the shifter, I finally got it into neutral. I am back to free wheeling again. I really don't think it affects the transmission any. I've been doing it for seven years. Sean
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Chris Hyland
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Shane
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Mark Hudson
1984 C30 Universal M-18 freewheeling
I have read in my transmission owners manual, that is is correct to either freewheel or shift to reverse while sailing. The manufacturer specifically states not to shift into forward. Trying both, I have found it hard to shift back to neutral after sailing at 6 knots, unless you allign the two blade prop to hide behind the propeller shaft strut (the prior owner made a mark on the shaft/trany coupling to indicate this allignment. To view just open the aft engine access. You can spin the shaft while in reverse to allign). If freewheeling, you do get the feeling that "something is moving on the boat". The first time we did so it took a while to determine that the noise and funny feel was the prop spinning without the desiel vibrations.
I have read in my transmission owners manual, that is is correct to either freewheel or shift to reverse while sailing. The manufacturer specifically states not to shift into forward. Trying both, I have found it hard to shift back to neutral after sailing at 6 knots, unless you allign the two blade prop to hide behind the propeller shaft strut (the prior owner made a mark on the shaft/trany coupling to indicate this allignment. To view just open the aft engine access. You can spin the shaft while in reverse to allign). If freewheeling, you do get the feeling that "something is moving on the boat". The first time we did so it took a while to determine that the noise and funny feel was the prop spinning without the desiel vibrations.
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David
M3-20
I have the M3-20 and the owners manual states to free wheel or lock in reverse while sailing.
I have the M3-20 and the owners manual states to free wheel or lock in reverse while sailing.
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Rob
I believe transmission lube plays a role...
My A-4 does not rely on oil pressure to lube the transmission. The movement of the transmission itself basically splashes oil all over its parts - whether the engine or the sea is causing it to spin. However, I think some types of transmissions have an active lubrication system. Without an engine driven pump to keep those transmissions lubed, you could run the risk of putting excess wear on parts of the transmission. I'd find out from the engine manual, or a mechanic, about how the transmission is lubricated. Best Regards, Rob
My A-4 does not rely on oil pressure to lube the transmission. The movement of the transmission itself basically splashes oil all over its parts - whether the engine or the sea is causing it to spin. However, I think some types of transmissions have an active lubrication system. Without an engine driven pump to keep those transmissions lubed, you could run the risk of putting excess wear on parts of the transmission. I'd find out from the engine manual, or a mechanic, about how the transmission is lubricated. Best Regards, Rob
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cole
My two cents
I was told by the mechanic that replaced my hurth 50 it is wise to put the tranny in reverse. If in neutral the plates may rub together and glaze. That quarter of an eight of a tenth of a knot you may not achive isnt worth it.
I was told by the mechanic that replaced my hurth 50 it is wise to put the tranny in reverse. If in neutral the plates may rub together and glaze. That quarter of an eight of a tenth of a knot you may not achive isnt worth it.
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