transmission in reverse while sailing

[Shaun]

I thought that folks might find this response from Hunter Marine interesting..... Hunter Marine Response:Mr. Taylor,It is our recommendation that the transmission be sailed in reverse. This is also the recommendation from Yanmar. GregHere is the question that I asked:>While sailing my transmission is in neutral... with the two bladed >prop I get a continous "thumping" sound from the shaft area.... I have >read on the hunter site that some place their transmissions in reverse to >stop it... I see nothing in the yanmar or hunter manual on this... what do >you recommend from a mechanical/maintenance prospective?>

 

[Bryan C.]

CW is right!

That was the collective wisdom of the board.

 

[BILL SHAKUN]

why

What is happening is the prop is nowthe driving force rotating a gear systemis reverse. What is the logic or betterstill what are the engineering negativeswith this procedure. It appears the prop is introducing drag/friction into the dynamics of motion. Are they saying start the engine in reverse, or shift into netural before starting.

 

[Jack Laird]

A long answer

Archives have a long learned answer with pictures/drawings showing why the transmission should be in reverse. Yes neutral to start.

 

[Terry Arnold]

long and learned? source

http://www.c-2.com/upload/display.tpl?folder=Arnold73052126092&fno=17

 

[Ken Palmer]

Here we go again!

Yikes, please check the zillions of notes in the archives.

 

[Bryan C.]

Quick summary

The quick summary is that in neutral, a freewheeling prop causes parts of the transmission to turn without proper lubrication. It won't turn in reverse. Whether a freewheeling prop generates more drag than a locked prop has been debated, but the difference appears negligable.