Gear in neutral while sailing?

[sailtech]

I get a lot of questions asking in what position should the ttransmission be while sailing. While I certainly understand the many arguments for F/N/R below is a cut & paste from Yanmar for Yanmar engines. I hope this helps
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Advisory Number: MSA08-003
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DATE February 8, 2008 rs and OEMs
TO: All Marine Distributors, Deale Sailing
SUBJECT: Gear in Neutral WhileSailing:
All Sailboat Engines
We continue to get questions regarding the correct gear position while sailing with the engine OFF. This advisory is issued as a reminder; Yanmar requires that if sailing with the engine OFF (not running) the transmission shifter must be in the neutral position or internal damage to the gear or sail-drive will result. This damage will not be covered by Yanmar’s Limited Warranty. Please instruct customers and dealers who deliver the sailboat to the customer, of the correct (Neutral) position for the marine gear while sailing.

If the customer desires that the propeller shaft not spin while sailing, either a folding propeller, shaft break, or other suitable device may be used. However, Yanmar accepts no responsibility for the selection, installation, or operation of such devices. Please also refer to Marine service advisory "MSA07-001_Yanmar Sail Drive Propeller Selection" for additional information.

If you have any questions regarding this advisory please contact a Customer Support Representative at (770) 877- 9894.
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[Benny17441]

Why is a brand new member posting a 2008 advisory about a subject that has already been dissected and digested in this forum? The proper term is "Shaft Brake" as in STOP not "shaft break" as in SHEAR.

 

[stephen Penny]

So this raises a question. If you have a "fixed" propeller can the transmission lever be set in reverse while sailing without any impact or do you need to let it free-wheel and why?

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Sailtech
Welcome and thanks for the post. As Benny perhaps bluntly pointed out, this has been discussed to death, beaten further and tested by any number of physics departments as well as the government in the form of the Navy as well as a couple of folks in their back yard already and anyone wanting a refresher or still wondering might want to check the archives for that information as well as a search of the internet.
Long story short - don't worry about it.

 

[Don12364]

On behalf of the UK owned Hunters I put this matter to Yanmar in Japan. They took some time to answer but they did not confirm the instruction issued by the US dealership. But then they did not deny it either!

If really relevant I would have expected it to be issued to all users rather than only to the US dealers.
It may be just one outfit protecting its warranty interests.

 

[Shell]

Great info! We have a 400 boat marina and more than half of the sailboat owners keep the trans in reverse with the engine off. Give credit to a new member for finding this info.

 

[sailtech]

I actually have been working in the boating industry for 31 years. I only submitted this because a customer asked me what was the recommended practice via a link from this forum. As stated in the original post I realize there has been much said over this issue. This is Yanmar's dealer/OEM bulletin #8 from 2003. While it may make no difference to many who have their own beliefs, it might be important to those who have new engines and warranty to consider and protect

 

[Rick Sylvester]

I appreciate the heads-up.

While this subject has been discussed over the years, the threads I've read most often centered around which transmission setting (reverse or neutral) resulted in the lowest drag. The consensus was usually reverse. That's what I did.

Discussions about whether it was actually damaging the transmission is a relatively recent phenomenon (IMHO.)

On another forum recently a mechanic explained that putting the transmission in reverse while under sail with a fixed prop puts stresses on the clutch cones that they weren't designed for and could result in premature failure.

I recently had my Kanzaki transmission rebuilt because the (you guessed it) clutch cones were failing. My understanding is that not all transmissions have this issue (hydraulic transmissions for example.)

Coincidence? Maybe. But I'm looking into shaft brakes just the same. Until then, mine's staying in neutral.

 

[mel22]

Pardon my sin but everyone is new somewhere

Why is a brand new member posting a 2008 advisory about a subject that has already been dissected and digested in this forum? The proper term is "Shaft Brake" as in STOP not "shaft break" as in SHEAR.

Looks like good info that may help other members who have not seen the other "dissected and digested" posts.

Why doesn't this site have a spell and or grammar check for those pesky lispps in grammer?

 

[Scott B]

Sailtech, thank you for the information, it's good to see clear evidence from a manufacturer.


And welcome to the forum. If you are in the marine business, we just ask that you identify what or who you are, such as in a signature line.

 

[Scott B]

I have a Vari Prop on my boat. From what I remember, ( boats now tightly tarped for the winter with manuals onboard ) the Vari Prop manual says to put the trans in reverse to lock the prop in "feather" mode. I assume this will put very little drag on the trans., but have not seen any info to confirm or disprove.