Neutral or reverse when sailing?

[Jack999000]

Hi
I have a hunter 41ac with a 3 blade fixed prop
When under sail, should I let it spin freely of have the gear box in reverse?

 

[Rick D]

Well, here is a bulletin from 2008 which likely is the definitive advice:

TO: All Marine Distributors, Deale Sailing
SUBJECT: Gear in Neutral WhileODELS: All Sailboat Engines
M
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.

MSA08-

 

[Dalliance]

The answer is transmission specific. If you have a Yanmar, they recommend that it be in neutral while sailing. Others are different.
There has been at least one thread on this topic in the past. Do a quick forum search and you'll find it.

 

[Scotty C-M]

Jack, I suggest you go to the source. Contact eithor the Hunter corporation tech support, or the tech support from the manufacturer of the engine. Be sure to have the engine model and the transmission model. By the way, yes, Yanmar has stated that you should be in neutral, but a few years later, they ammended that for some specific models.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Go to Yanmar as Scotty C-M is correct on that. Be sure to have engine and transmission serial numbers. Usually the model and year boat might help as well. Is there a Yanmar dealer near Melborne Austrailia? What year is your boat may help here as some folks could advise

 

[Stu Jackson]

There has been at least one thread on this topic in the past.

There have been thousands!!! We get 'em every spring.

Search on TRANSMISSION POSITION.

 

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[Ken13559]

I've always put my km2p gearbox in reverse while sailing. Never had any problem for >10years. Don't like "noise" of spinning prop while sailing.
I can't imagine what the problem will be by putting in reverse.

 

[Hafa]

Official Yanmar Service Advisory

 

[Capt Robbie]

35 years now with my Hunter 34 and keeped it in gear, never had any issues. Maybe I am just lucky, never knew that it could possibly cause damage. I'm going to contact yanmar with my engine info. Thanks for the information.

 

[Calif. Ted]

I believe the damage occurred when operators would force the transmission into neutral from reverse before starting, if you start in reverse without forcing it into neutral when bound up after sailing at speed for a few hours probably avoid damage.