Single lever control neutral or reverse?

[DougM]

This throttle/shifter issue is not new to this site, but I thought I'd revisit it anyway.

The issue is whether to put the transmission in reverse when sailing as the dealer recommends or to leave it in neutral as Yanmar seems to recommend even though the transmission is Kanazaki [sic].

1. I can't stand the vibration the prop causes when sailing with the trans in neutral. To me, with the prop rotating the transmission, that would result in more wear and tear over time...

2. The transmission doesn't always want to shift out of reverse to start the engine unless the boat is dead stopped.

Other than a folding/feathering prop or some form of a shaft lock, whats the real answer to this.

I've seen all the arguments about the stopped prop actually making the boat slower, but if the 2 blade prop is hiding one of its blades behind the skeg it would seem to make little difference.

 

[gord331victoria]

Hi Doug, same issues on my 331. I am solving this by installing a Campbell Sailor 3 blade Prop tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes. I installed one on my last boat and all these problems went away, and I increased my top motoring speed, better reversing, and faster sailing speeds. The props cost around $600usd and are the perfect for cruising.

 

[Gunni]

Hi Doug;
Being in reverse when shifting to neutral is pretty common. Think about the times you come out of a slip, or back off the fuel dock. Do you have one of those VolvoPenta engine controls too I drop my transmission into reverse even though I have Maxprop folder. You don't want any rotation.

 

[Philip_Oceanis 361]

I am solving this by installing a Campbell Sailor 3 blade Prop tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes. .

If you are changing from a 2-blade fixed to a campbell sailor I would really like to know how it goes (and size of old and new propeller). I am thinking of doing the same on my Beneteau 361, though haven't decided yet because my propeller is really very efficient but I get some vibrations.
You could send me a PM or probably begin a new threat. Thanks.

 

[Gunni]

Neutral. In tracking down a hard shifting issue with my Kanzaki, I have learned that the transmission clutches can't handle the load. The recommendation is to install a shaft lock to stop rotation. Sure would have been nice of Beneteau to let me know not to do what I've been doing for 25 years. However the boat was delivered with a Yanmar manual that listed the wrong transmission.

 

[DougM]

OK ! I can agree with the shaft lock concept. Now tell me this: Is there a way to actuate a lock remotely? The very idea of crawling into the aft berth, pulling up the mattress, and removing the floorboards to get at the shaft lock seems to be counter productive.

Granted I have not investigated shaft locks, so I don't know what might be available at a reasonable cost.

 

[Gunni]

Yes, Shaft Lok makes a cable controlled prop shaft lock. But you are still dragging your prop through the water. Might consider a folding prop to get it all. You'll pick up considerable speed, especially in light winds, and your shaft stops turning.