Propellor free while under sail?

[Heidi]

We are happy new owners of an '87 Hunter 31. We were told that we should leave the propellor free to turn while under sail. Is this right, or should we lock it?

 

[Colin]

Current thoughts are to lock it in reverse.

Motor manufacturers suggest locking in reverse as it saves wear and tear on bearings and seals.

 

[Paul Akers]

See Archives

Check the archives for plenty of discussion on this topic. The consensus, as indicated previously, is to put it in reverse.

 

[Mike]

Reverse

I asked the same question for my H31 about 4 months ago. I have since started practicing the reverse method. I have noticed a little less vibartion under sail. Since I do not race..speed is not as nearly important as the fact I am on the water. The Yanmar owners manual does reference placing the trans. in reverse while underway. So reverse it is.

 

[Al Sandrik]

Asked our local Yanmar tech...

this question and he confirmed reverse.

 

[Dennis]

Reverse

My throttle is in idle when straight up, full ahead when 90 degrees forward and full reverse when 90 aft. The discussion about putting the engine in reverse when under sail makes sense to me but is there any problem leaving the throttle for long periods of time in a non-idle position. In other engines this could cause flooding. Is it not an issue with a diesel ? thank ...

 

[Heidi]

asked a local H31 owner

We just asked a local H31 owner and he said he leaves his prop in neutral while under sail. We have experienced vibration at certain speeds while under sail by leaving the prop in Forward. We will try the Reverse setting.... Thanks