sailing and transmission

[tom r. evans- kennedy]

while sailing last weekend the crew wanted to know is it better to keep the trans.in neutral or in gear while sailing forward or reverse?? have a hunter 27 19801gm engine//and i am not sure//any suggestions out there

 

[S. Sauer]

Sailing with Transmission in reverse

I've always shifted into reverse to 'lock' the prop, which in my case is a Martec folding prop. However, if a fixed blade prop is left to free wheel, it causes more turbulence in front of the rudder AND presumably more wear and tear on the transmission. If you can mark the prop shaft or flange or shaft keyway behind the transmission to indicate when the two blade prop is aligned vertically with the strut and rudder, that should be the least turbulent position for sailing. Again, shift into reverse to 'lock' the prop in that location.

 

[Ken Palmer]

tons of opinions

Check the archives. This subject comes up every summer, and I believe the overwelming response is to put it in reverse while sailing.Ken Palmer, S/V Liberty

 

[Mike H]

Just started locking in reverse

When sailing at or near hull speed, I noticed a vibration that a sailing buddy told me was the prop spinning with the flow. So I put the tranny in reverse and the vibe went away.

 

[Eddie]

Opinions (and sources of facts)

Ken's right, there are lots of opinions. There can be a source of fact though. The manual that came with my Catalina 350 - Universal M35B - says that it is OK to sail with the transmission in neutral.That being said, one of the other posters mentions a slight vibration or hum when sailing in neutral - shifting to reverse can eliminate that if it bugs you.On the other hand, shifting to reverse in that situation may rob you of .5 knts or more speed.Bottom line: Check out what your (underlined) owners manual says and take the advice that you get on the internet with a grain of salt.

 

[Ken Palmer]

Another point

If I forget to shift into reverse on my H33, you can actually hear the prop shaft turning as you sail. This means that the transmission is also turning. The Yanmar maintenance school instructor said that this is not good for the Yanmar transmission. It has been too long for me to remember the reason why, but I do as the instructor told me, sail with the transmission in reverse.Ken Palmer, S/V Liberty