Sailing and Transmission lever

kloudie1 · Sep 4, 2014

Yanmar says transmission in neutral.. lots of stuff on this on the forum, including a copy of the Yanmar service bulletin.. Let the prop freeewheel.. I grew up "knowing" that reverse was the correct position to lock the transmission, but Yanmar has it correct, go to neutral.. If you have a folding or feathering prop, then reverse to lock and allow the prop to do its thing.. then neutral to start engine..

Don S/V ILLusion · Sep 4, 2014

kloudie1 said:
. If you have a folding or feathering prop, then reverse to lock and allow the prop to do its thing.. then neutral to start engine..

The proper procedure for Maxprops brand feathering props, according to the manufacturer, is to stop the engine while in fwd and then shift to neutral.

PKFK · Sep 4, 2014

And to further cloud the issue - my Variprop manual says to put the engine in REVERSE and then shutdown.

?

Benny17441 · Sep 4, 2014

If you place the transmission in reverse you have to slow the boat down to under 1 knot before you can safely shift back into neutral. Starting the engine in reverse was your only other option. In any instance your putting loads on the transmission components. A non-turning propeller increases drag. The Yanmar transmission is a constant mesh which lubricates the gears and bearings at all times while the shaft is turning. Freewheeling in neutral seems the way to go as well as it is the way recommended by the manufacturer.

Sailm8 · Sep 4, 2014

Advisory Number: MSA08-003:

DATE February 8, 2008 Dealers and OEMs
TO: All Marine Distributors
SUBJECT: Gear in Neutral While Sailing All MODELS:

All Sailboat Engines

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.

John Murphy · Sep 5, 2014

Jim D, I believe it DOES say in the Hunter or Yanmar manual to NEVER put the tranny in REVERSE with the engine turned OFF. NEUTRAL is where you want it. Fair Winds...... MRF

kloudie1 · Sep 5, 2014

It still is interesting that for about a bajillion miles of sailing, most folks used to lock the prop by putting the transmission in reverse. Not a lot of problems were noted.. I know of no failures that could be attributed to sailing with the thing in reverse.. but there must have been conditions like faster boats or larger blade-to-open area ratios that generated problems. . could be the vibrations of the stalled blades doing fretting damage to the clutch cone faces? I dunno.. Loads are pretty low compared to when the boat is being pushed or pulled by the prop..