I have always left my transmission in neutral when under sail and the motor off, but I have been told this wrong and it should be left in reverse. Would like to hear some opinions.
- Status
Reverse it is.
The transmission should be in reverse because the prop will not spin. If left in neutral it will continue to spin but without the required lubrication. It's also noisey when spinning under sail.
The transmission should be in reverse because the prop will not spin. If left in neutral it will continue to spin but without the required lubrication. It's also noisey when spinning under sail.
Not the MaxProp
Bill, I can't speak for other 'feathering' props, but with the MaxProp, once the sails are hoisted, leave the transmission in gear and shut the motor down. The blades feather almost instantly. Now it doesn't matter whether the transmission is in gear or neutral. I usually leave mine in forward. With a non-feathering prop, it depends on the transmission. Some tranny's lubricate themselves without the motor running. These tranny's allow you to attach an alternator to the prop shaft and generate power under sail. The tranny that comes with our Yanmar, isn't of that design as I recall. Yanmar recommends shifting to reverse to stop prop rotation while sailing. Suggested reading: Nigel Calders "Boatowners Mechanical and Electrical Manual"
Bill, I can't speak for other 'feathering' props, but with the MaxProp, once the sails are hoisted, leave the transmission in gear and shut the motor down. The blades feather almost instantly. Now it doesn't matter whether the transmission is in gear or neutral. I usually leave mine in forward. With a non-feathering prop, it depends on the transmission. Some tranny's lubricate themselves without the motor running. These tranny's allow you to attach an alternator to the prop shaft and generate power under sail. The tranny that comes with our Yanmar, isn't of that design as I recall. Yanmar recommends shifting to reverse to stop prop rotation while sailing. Suggested reading: Nigel Calders "Boatowners Mechanical and Electrical Manual"
- Status