Prop Spin

[joshw5144]

I don’t want to bring up the old question of whether to leave a boat in gear or not while sailing, but I had something come up this last week. We were testing out our new top down furler, and while sailing I had the engine on, but in neutral. We were making about 4.5-5 knots through the water. My wife and I are still unsure/can’t remember if one of us knocked the engine in idle forward for a second to help with a furl or a gybe. After a gybe, we noticed the starboard line in the water. Tried pulling it up and it was wrapped. Quick Check of the engine and it was in neutral. Turned the engine off, quick spin of the starter in reverse and all was good.

My question is, if no one had actually put the boat in gear, is it possible that the prop was spinning under sail and that’s what caused the very very minor wrap? I’m not sure how long the lazy sheet was in the water, and there was no noticeable sound etc with the engine.

 

[Davidasailor26]

If you were sailing in neutral it’s very likely that the prop was freewheeling until the line stopped it. Neutral disconnects the engine from the prop shaft, so the prop will freewheel regardless of whether the engine is running.

P.S. You got pretty lucky to have it unwind.

 

[Terry Cox]

My question is, if no one had actually put the boat in gear, is it possible that the prop was spinning under sail and that’s what caused the very very minor wrap?

Yes. Per Yanmar's recommendation, I always leave ours in neutral while under sail and the prop does spin.

 

[jssailem]

Congrats Josh on the fortunate outcome of what could have dissolved into a dilemma of nasty proportions.

I’d probably go out and buy a lottery ticket.

Lines on the water are always a drama waiting to become a catastrophe.

Go forth and avoid dangling lines in the water.

 

[joshw5144]

I figured that was the case. I know it does spin in neutral but that’s how we usually sail as per yanmar like Terry said and it makes a pretty decent hum.

We did learn a good lesson about lines in the water that day. We were preoccupied with the furler at the time!

I agree with all about the luck, and the overly simple solution! It could’ve been really bad considering our proximity to rocks, depth of water to anchor, and not least of all the temperature of the water I wouldn’t/couldn’t swim in!!!!

Thanks for the affirmation.