Outboard motor prop drag

[Bob Shafer]

I just bought a '75 Catalina 27 and have a question concerning the outboard position while sailing. It is quite chore to lift the shaft out of the water during sailing and at the dock. Is it bad for the shaft/prop to remain in the water for weeks at a time? It is in fresh water. Is sailing performance really compromised with the prop drag in neutral? Aside from some slime buildup, the fresh water doesn't seem to cause too much damage. Help!

 

[Dennis Thomas]

Lift it out.

I had a 25 for 13 years and always lifted the outboard when sailing and when at the dock. Yes it’s only slime now but it will change! Without bottom paint heavier stuff will start to grow, just look at the underwater parts of the dock. As for spinning in neutral, I’ve been told that there is actually less drag if you lock the prop rather than let it spin. It just depends on how fast you want to go.Dennis ThomasS/V AnodyneCatalina 36’ #34