Yanmar transmission in neutral

[Elmendorf]

Hi, I have a 1993 Hunter 40.5 with a Yanmar 50 hp 4JH2E engine and a KM4A transmission. I have found when sailing that if I put the transmission in neutral the boat will sail .5 knot or more faster. Am I hurting the transmission by not putting it in reverse to lock the prop?
Thanks for your advice
Jon

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

probably not

Hi Jon

Conventional widsom is that you need to be concerned about premature wearing of the stuffing box and tranny only if you are cruising long distance. Short coastal hops with the prop idling won't significantly effect these parts. If it concerns you too much, you can always sacrifice the speed by locking the prop or further enhancing the speed by installing a folding/feathering prop, both of which will further increase your speed under sail by another half a knot.