I heard of one instance where someone said the engine stopped ocassionally after shifting into reverse. I assume that is because the prop has a lot of pitch in reverse and it puts a big load on the engine. The skipper said he compensates for this by adding a little extra power when shifting into reverse. I am thinking of getting the Kiwi prop to reduce prop walk in reverse (in addition to better performance under sail) but I don't want to create another problem by having the engine quit on me. Has anyone else experienced this with the Kiwi?
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Probably not the prop
Without hearing more details, my first reaction to the instance you heard about was that it's probably not the prop causing that problem. Depending on the transmission gearing, the engine wouldn't know the difference between increased pitch (over "normal" non-feathering props) in reverse and normal pitch in forward. I don't know for sure, but I bet the gear ratios in forward and reverse are typically the same and similar prop pitch in reverse as in forward ought to create similar engine loads. Could be this instance was due to a transmission issue in reverse causing a bigger load or something amiss with the throttle setup if the linkage was common to the gear shift. Hard to say without more info. I have little knowledge of the Kiwi prop, but what I have heard is good. Dave S/V Pas de Deux Catana 471-44
Without hearing more details, my first reaction to the instance you heard about was that it's probably not the prop causing that problem. Depending on the transmission gearing, the engine wouldn't know the difference between increased pitch (over "normal" non-feathering props) in reverse and normal pitch in forward. I don't know for sure, but I bet the gear ratios in forward and reverse are typically the same and similar prop pitch in reverse as in forward ought to create similar engine loads. Could be this instance was due to a transmission issue in reverse causing a bigger load or something amiss with the throttle setup if the linkage was common to the gear shift. Hard to say without more info. I have little knowledge of the Kiwi prop, but what I have heard is good. Dave S/V Pas de Deux Catana 471-44
Idle speed set at?
At what RPM is the idle set? I think Yanmars are suppose to idle at 650 [check your manual]. If the engine is idling slow,the shift into reverse might be putting enough of a load that it smothers the engine. If that is the case, adjust the idle stop set screw accordingly.
At what RPM is the idle set? I think Yanmars are suppose to idle at 650 [check your manual]. If the engine is idling slow,the shift into reverse might be putting enough of a load that it smothers the engine. If that is the case, adjust the idle stop set screw accordingly.
Pitch in Reverse
I have looked long and hard at the Kiwi, had it in my hands and also 'interviewed' the UK dealer. The pitch in reverse is not adjustable, but has been set a little finer than that normally used for ahead. Also agree with Dave & Andy's posts as above. Perhaps, if one is going forward at 5 knots and puts it into reverse with idle revs only, it might stall the engine - but then, so would most other types.
I have looked long and hard at the Kiwi, had it in my hands and also 'interviewed' the UK dealer. The pitch in reverse is not adjustable, but has been set a little finer than that normally used for ahead. Also agree with Dave & Andy's posts as above. Perhaps, if one is going forward at 5 knots and puts it into reverse with idle revs only, it might stall the engine - but then, so would most other types.
Not a problem here
I installed a Kiwi prop on my Hunter 31 last season and being retired, I'm on my boat every day its not raining. I have not once have had my Yanmar 2GM20 engine stall after shifting into reverse. One of the Kiwi's claims is, you can stop the boat in one boat length after shifting into reverse from hull speed. It works for me. You do have to throttle up after shifting. With a lot of pitch in reverse, you can't throttle up to much for if you do, you'll start pushing black smoke. Backing out of the slip or just backing up in general, throttling just above idle is all you need and yes, no prop walk. Kiwi - For the money - You can't go wrong!
I installed a Kiwi prop on my Hunter 31 last season and being retired, I'm on my boat every day its not raining. I have not once have had my Yanmar 2GM20 engine stall after shifting into reverse. One of the Kiwi's claims is, you can stop the boat in one boat length after shifting into reverse from hull speed. It works for me. You do have to throttle up after shifting. With a lot of pitch in reverse, you can't throttle up to much for if you do, you'll start pushing black smoke. Backing out of the slip or just backing up in general, throttling just above idle is all you need and yes, no prop walk. Kiwi - For the money - You can't go wrong!
Never had that problem
I have had a Kiwi for two seasons on H356, never had that problem. I'm in a slip so I'm in reverse several times each trip coming and going. I think the Kiwi's backing performance is at least as strong as the fixed 3-blade I had earlier, but without as much prop-walk.
I have had a Kiwi for two seasons on H356, never had that problem. I'm in a slip so I'm in reverse several times each trip coming and going. I think the Kiwi's backing performance is at least as strong as the fixed 3-blade I had earlier, but without as much prop-walk.
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