Free-wheeling or not

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R Bennett

Aug 12, 1999

#1

I have a 1985 model and my Yanmar operator's manual (2GMF model) gives no info on whether they recommend letting the prop free-wheel or putting it in reverse when sailing. Does any have the "official" position or have any comments?

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Steve Dion

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Aug 13, 1999

#2

Who knows.

There have been several posts regarding this on the site. Our prop never free wheeled until the last couple of years. When we hear it we put it in reverse. I seems to me that it really makes NO difference other than the annoyance of the noise. There is going to be several posts to your question on the pros/cons of free wheeling.

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Warren Blanchard

Aug 13, 1999

#3

Freewheeling Shaft

This question of whether or not to let your prop/shaft freewheel came up a couple of years ago. I think the answer depends on your type of transmission. My previous boat, a Catalina 30, which had a Hurth??? (I think) transmission on the back of the Universal, the owner's manual said to either lock it in Reverse or let it freewheel in Neutral (if you can stand the noise). It said NEVER let it freewheel in Forward. In the case of the Yanmar and associated transmissions, I think the consventional wisdom is not to let it freewheel at all. There's no problem with locking the shaft in Reverse other than the occasional difficulty of getting it back out of reverse before starting. (You may have to start the engine in Reverse) Most agreed it shouldn't be allowed to freewheel either in Neutral or Forward. Of course that invites the question of which produces more drag, a locked prop or a freewheeling one? Jim Bohart and I got into a real good discussion about that one. Jim will tell you he won the argument, of course.Smooth sailing,Warren BlanchardSV "Banana Wind" H-376 #290

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Gary Nowlan

Aug 18, 1999

#4

Free wheeling??

I have a Hunter 27 with Yanmar transmission, My prop does not free wheel in reverse or forward, the only time it will free wheel is in neutral. It seems to me that when locked it does create some drag but is much quieter and avoids ware. We do let if free wheel when racing but lock it when crusing, by putting in reverse.