I am new with a big boat, so I would like to know what others recommend as to weather leave the shift level in neutral, forward or reverse when under sail. Thanks, Gene
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Reverse
Allowing the prop to spin while in neutral could eventually ruin the transmission due to lack of lubrication. Transmission lubrication occurs typically when the engine is running & the shaft is engaged. Putting the shift into forward with the engine off will still allow the prop to spin. --Ron
Allowing the prop to spin while in neutral could eventually ruin the transmission due to lack of lubrication. Transmission lubrication occurs typically when the engine is running & the shaft is engaged. Putting the shift into forward with the engine off will still allow the prop to spin. --Ron
Reverse
Reverse...unless it is in reverse the prop, shaft and transmission are all turning...turning parts wear out as they turn.
Reverse...unless it is in reverse the prop, shaft and transmission are all turning...turning parts wear out as they turn.
If feathered prop...
...such as Max-Prop, shift into reverse for 30 second and back to neutral. If it's backwinding, you'll feel the vibration slightly at your feet.
...such as Max-Prop, shift into reverse for 30 second and back to neutral. If it's backwinding, you'll feel the vibration slightly at your feet.
Transmission is the answwer
Gene The answer is based on the transmission that you have. Go find out, and read the manufacturer's literature.
Gene The answer is based on the transmission that you have. Go find out, and read the manufacturer's literature.
reverse is good, but
Don't forget to put it back in to Neutral before you start your engine! I go with Stu's answer. It does depend on your trasmission. I have a folding prop and I put it in reverse for a few seconds, until I feel the shaft stop, then back to neutral.
Don't forget to put it back in to Neutral before you start your engine! I go with Stu's answer. It does depend on your trasmission. I have a folding prop and I put it in reverse for a few seconds, until I feel the shaft stop, then back to neutral.
Hi Gene, it really depends on how long ...
you cruise under sail before running the engine in gear. If you plan on sailing for days on end without running the engine in gear to lubricate the tranny then reverse is your better option. If, however, you plan on sailing for several/few hours, then start the engine to cast off, dock or anchor, neutral is fine. Terry
you cruise under sail before running the engine in gear. If you plan on sailing for days on end without running the engine in gear to lubricate the tranny then reverse is your better option. If, however, you plan on sailing for several/few hours, then start the engine to cast off, dock or anchor, neutral is fine. Terry
Transmission is the Answer #2 (Again)
Gentlemen and Ladies, At the risk of being repetitive, and, oh my gosh, a bit pushy, and in the interests of your boat, your pocketbooks, and your companionship (i.e., being able to safely return to your home port or any other in a storm): The answer to this question is simply NOT what "someone thinks," or how long you use your engine on any given Saturday afternoon. It is SIMPLY and ONLY a matter of machine technology. The ONLY answer that is right is what YOUR transmission's manufacturer, specific to your boat, tells you. While the answers may also vary (i.e., could be OK in neutral, best in reverse, NEVER in forward) OR ANY combinations of these answers, are the only right answers for your specific transmission make and model. And even using boat types, and engine types, in your questions (sometimes people don't even identify their boat types and/or sizes, or engines) is not as specific for us to know what your transmission is; can't begin to help you and an surprised that anyone would offer an answer to a question without enough information to begin with. So if you're going to question this issue (for the 1,289,548th time - just check the archives under "transmission"), please state the transmission (f'rinstance: Universal M25 with Hurth XYZ). Really I'm just trying to be helpful, but the severe damage that could be done because you took an input from this 'site because "someone said it would be OK," is not helpful to anyone. Sorry again, just an engineer...and still suggesting you do your research and homework. Good luck, Stu
Gentlemen and Ladies, At the risk of being repetitive, and, oh my gosh, a bit pushy, and in the interests of your boat, your pocketbooks, and your companionship (i.e., being able to safely return to your home port or any other in a storm): The answer to this question is simply NOT what "someone thinks," or how long you use your engine on any given Saturday afternoon. It is SIMPLY and ONLY a matter of machine technology. The ONLY answer that is right is what YOUR transmission's manufacturer, specific to your boat, tells you. While the answers may also vary (i.e., could be OK in neutral, best in reverse, NEVER in forward) OR ANY combinations of these answers, are the only right answers for your specific transmission make and model. And even using boat types, and engine types, in your questions (sometimes people don't even identify their boat types and/or sizes, or engines) is not as specific for us to know what your transmission is; can't begin to help you and an surprised that anyone would offer an answer to a question without enough information to begin with. So if you're going to question this issue (for the 1,289,548th time - just check the archives under "transmission"), please state the transmission (f'rinstance: Universal M25 with Hurth XYZ). Really I'm just trying to be helpful, but the severe damage that could be done because you took an input from this 'site because "someone said it would be OK," is not helpful to anyone. Sorry again, just an engineer...and still suggesting you do your research and homework. Good luck, Stu
Hi Gene, my reply to your post was based on...
information that I obtained from a local Yanmar technical support representative. Whether it is the right answer is always open to debate. As I have found out from personal experience manufacturer's recommendations can be wrong, too. IMHO it is impossible for anyone to give you the absolute right answer to your question. What I do (just as you) is gather information about my situation from reliable sources, make a decision and move on. Terry
information that I obtained from a local Yanmar technical support representative. Whether it is the right answer is always open to debate. As I have found out from personal experience manufacturer's recommendations can be wrong, too. IMHO it is impossible for anyone to give you the absolute right answer to your question. What I do (just as you) is gather information about my situation from reliable sources, make a decision and move on. Terry
Transmission References
Terry Thanks for the clarification. If you go back through the first three posts on this thread, you'll see the original reference is to a Hunter 35.5, then an O'Day 35.5 and then a Catalina 35.5! I think that's because the orginal question was psted on a Shared Forum and the "computer-eze" took over, hence, my plea for specificity. Thanks again, and have a great weekend. Stu
Terry Thanks for the clarification. If you go back through the first three posts on this thread, you'll see the original reference is to a Hunter 35.5, then an O'Day 35.5 and then a Catalina 35.5! I think that's because the orginal question was psted on a Shared Forum and the "computer-eze" took over, hence, my plea for specificity. Thanks again, and have a great weekend. Stu
You too Stu, and thanks for the sharp eye! It...
helps to keep our opinions in perspective. Terry
helps to keep our opinions in perspective. Terry
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