Transmission position while sailing
- Thread starter gary16188
- Start date
I think this one wins the prize for the most often asked question. Sorry, couldn’t resist...
Real answer - it depends on what the transmission is, not the engine.
Real answer - it depends on what the transmission is, not the engine.
Along with Anchors and how to make coffee on board.....
And yes, depends on the make of the transmission and also if you have a fixed blade prop, feathering prop or folding prop.
Some, like Don, will recognize their posts in these treads on the same subject. Below is Universal 25 XPB engine's manual (link attached) and Hurth HBW transmission position while sailing warning.
Catalina 34 transmission remarks: The Right Transmission Gear for Sailing - c34.org
transmission position while sailing
There are apparently conflicting opinions about whether to lock the transmission in reverse while sailing or to leave it in neutral. We have a 3HM Yanmar in a Hunter 37.5., with a Martec folding prop. We were always told to shift it into reverse while sailing because it's not good for the...
forums.sailboatowners.com
Locked Prop vs. Freewheel vs. Boat Speed
What say you guys? I know what I do with my prop but I'm curious to see the varying opinions on this topic..? Do you lock or freewheel? If you lock is it for better speed or for less wear on the drive train. If you freewheel is it for speed? I started building a testing jig back in 2007 and...
forums.sailboatowners.com
Do you sail with your transmission in gear? - Cruisers & Sailing Forums
What is the recommend method of sailing...keep your transmission in gear either forward or reverse to stop the prop from turning or just leave in neutral and let prop turn?
www.cruisersforum.com
Catalina 34 transmission remarks: The Right Transmission Gear for Sailing - c34.org
And to summarize the advice given in the past - Your Universal *probably* has a Hurth transmission, which are generally OK in reverse or neutral, your choice. Neutral is a bit noisier and maybe more wear; reverse is quieter but more drag with a fixed prop. Absolutely never leave a Hurth it in forward As it will wear the clutch plates.
With a Yanmar, that usually have Kanzaki transmissions - Neutral is the general recommendation, as the transmission isn’t designed to hold against the torque of the prop if locked in neutral. If you sail in reverse it might jam that way, and if that happens do not try to force it out of reverse.
Replace any of the above with the recommendations of your transmission manufacturer if there are differences.
With a Yanmar, that usually have Kanzaki transmissions - Neutral is the general recommendation, as the transmission isn’t designed to hold against the torque of the prop if locked in neutral. If you sail in reverse it might jam that way, and if that happens do not try to force it out of reverse.
Replace any of the above with the recommendations of your transmission manufacturer if there are differences.
Either one is fine although if in neutral, the prop will spin while underway. In reverse, the prop will not spin. If your looking for an extra 1/3 knot, neutral is best. If your looking to save the minimal wear on bearings, reverse is best.
These transmissions are pretty tough so I would not worry about bearings and gears wear in either instance. Yanmar has mostly switched positions and now recomending that the constant mesh gearboxes are allowed to freewheel in neutral. The gears and bearings in these transmissions are constantly being lubricated when turning. Having to slow down the boat to shift out of reverse gets old real quick.
NotCook
.
- Dec 29, 2008
- 806
Not according to many, as the spinning prop presents drag the full radius of the turning prop, whereas the stationary prop presents a smaller area of resistance. I’m sure at least transmission makers and or prop makers have done tests to determine the relative drag to come to those conclusions. Our Velvet Drive says it doesn’t matter as it doesn’t lock regardless of the gear it’s in. The individual transmission maker’s recommendation is always the right answer.