25D propeller freewheeling

[Frank]

I just checked my propeller shaft under sail and was suprised (somewhat) to find the shaft freewheeling with the engine in neutral. I have always thought that the prop would be stationary between the keel and rudder. What is the best practice, if left to freewheel, wear on the cutlass bearing can result. If the transmission is put in gear will that stop the freewheeling safely?



fcrumb1@aol.com

[Bob Luby]

My understanding is that it's better to leave the transmission in reverse. This prevents freewheeling, and the drag created by the prop is minimal.

Hope this helps.

Bob Luby



Rluby@aol.com

[Bill]

Hello Frank

My owners manual specifically (sp) states to place the transmission in reverse.

Happy Holidays

Bill

I just checked my propeller shaft under sail and was suprised (somewhat) to find the shaft freewheeling with the engine in neutral. I have always thought that the prop would be stationary between the keel and rudder. What is the best practice, if left to freewheel, wear on the cutlass bearing can result. If the transmission is put in gear will that stop the freewheeling safely?

cd25d@rhapsodysails.com

[Tom]

I just checked my propeller shaft under sail and was suprised (somewhat) to find the shaft freewheeling with the engine in neutral. I have always thought that the prop would be stationary between the keel and rudder. What is the best practice, if left to freewheel, wear on the cutlass bearing can result. If the transmission is put in gear will that stop the freewheeling safely?

Do not put your transmission in forward sailing with the engine off. The prop pressure wears the surfaces of the friction plates inside the transmission and pretty soon you'll need a rebuilt transmission. The plates are a weakness in the Hurth transmissions -- I'm on my fourth transmission. Neutral or reverse are your only two choices. Why would your cutlass bearing which is immersed in water wear any more than when you're motoring? Of course anytime the shaft is turning it is wearing some. Good advice here and I agree.



TomCambria@mindspring.com

[Dave]

I just checked my propeller shaft under sail and was suprised (somewhat) to find the shaft freewheeling with the engine in neutral. I have always thought that the prop would be stationary between the keel and rudder. What is the best practice, if left to freewheel, wear on the cutlass bearing can result. If the transmission is put in gear will that stop the freewheeling safely?

Frank,
You could also go with a folding prop so it won't spin. It will also increase the boat speed under sail.
Dave



ddsailor25@nsimail.com

[Bill Goldsmith]

Dave,

Are you aware of any folding prop designs that would clear the rudder when folded? It was my impression that such designs need a fair amount of free area aft of the prop, and CDs do not. However I do not know much about foldables so I am curious.

Bill Goldsmith

Frank,

You could also go with a folding prop so it won't spin. It will also increase the boat speed under sail.
Dave

I just checked my propeller shaft under sail and was suprised (somewhat) to find the shaft freewheeling with the engine in neutral. I have always thought that the prop would be stationary between the keel and rudder. What is the best practice, if left to freewheel, wear on the cutlass bearing can result. If the transmission is put in gear will that stop the freewheeling safely?

goldy@bestweb.net