Just bought a 1982 Catalina 30 with 30HP gasoline engine. Here is my problem. When I put the transmission in reverse, it doesn't want to seem to go in gear unless I really force it. I am afraid of breaking something. Also, when I do get it in reverse, it is a pig to handle. Is this usual or am I just incompetent ?
reverse gear
- Thread starter javelin
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The Reversing gear in the A4 is a large band that clamps around a gear housing and locks it down. It is relatively normal for it to require some force. I really dont think you have to worry about breaking anything. You can adjust the tension on the reversing band. If the tension is too tight, you wont have a neutral area to shift into. If its too loose, it will slip in reverse when you increase throttle.
Sailboats traditionally dont handle well in reverse. It really does not have that much to do with the engine. In order to have good control in reverse you need boat speed. This makes the rudder effective. Without water flow over the rudder you boat reacts mainly to the prop walk, wind and current.
Congrats on your purchase! For more info on your engine refer to www.moyermarine.com
Sailboats traditionally dont handle well in reverse. It really does not have that much to do with the engine. In order to have good control in reverse you need boat speed. This makes the rudder effective. Without water flow over the rudder you boat reacts mainly to the prop walk, wind and current.
Congrats on your purchase! For more info on your engine refer to www.moyermarine.com
Agree with Paul. Check out the site and search the forums for instructions. Here's one of the threads. I also posted this on your other post.
http://www.moyermarine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3104&highlight=reversing+gear+adjust
http://www.moyermarine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3104&highlight=reversing+gear+adjust
great site
thanks for the replies. I used to have a chrysler 26 and their site I thought was terrific. It appears that you guys are made from the same (sail) cloth.
thanks for the replies. I used to have a chrysler 26 and their site I thought was terrific. It appears that you guys are made from the same (sail) cloth.
That Moyer Marine site is excellent also. It pretty much has everything you need (parts-wise, etc.) and tech support. On numerous occasions, Don Moyer talked me through repairs on my A4 with my phone on speaker and my hands in the engine compartment. Bookmark that site as well as this one!
Agreed
I totally agree. I have an '81 Catalina witha 30HP. She seems hard to go into reverse. The key is to have it in low throttle (600-800 RPM), pull back the transmission lever as hard as you can then give it throttle. As soon as the Catalina starts moving, you will gain steerage. Remember the prop walk will pull you to Port. No chance in fighting it, just don't over compensate your backing out. You will have plenty of steerage once the boat starts moving. Remember to throttle down before shifting into forward gear. This will save your transmission.
Chief
I totally agree. I have an '81 Catalina witha 30HP. She seems hard to go into reverse. The key is to have it in low throttle (600-800 RPM), pull back the transmission lever as hard as you can then give it throttle. As soon as the Catalina starts moving, you will gain steerage. Remember the prop walk will pull you to Port. No chance in fighting it, just don't over compensate your backing out. You will have plenty of steerage once the boat starts moving. Remember to throttle down before shifting into forward gear. This will save your transmission.
Chief
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