In gear or Not in gear

[John Dupras]

When you finally shut off the iron genoa (in my case a Volvo MD7A), should you sail with the prop engaged or free. I thought I remembered reading somewhere once that if it's left to turn freely it could damage the transmission. Any information on this? Thanks.

John



jdupras@wdcorp.com

[Bill]

John

I have a 25D with a yanmar 1GM. The manual states that the engine should be in reverse while under sail. Chek you manual or another owner. Not too sure if that info holds true for all boats or not.

BTW, i emailed you on the other question and my ISP rejected it as unknown.

BS

When you finally shut off the iron genoa (in my case a Volvo MD7A), should you sail with the prop engaged or free. I thought I remembered reading somewhere once that if it's left to turn freely it could damage the transmission. Any information on this? Thanks.

John

cd25d@clnk.com

[M. R. Bober]

Universal recommends reverse or neutral, but NEVER forward gear. In neutral the prop will spin and wear against the cutlass bearing (and make some noise). In reverse, I believe, there is a bit more drag than neutral.

I have always chosen reverse, but have considered a shaft brake. I don't think the extra drag is significant.
M



thebobers@erols.com

[Ryan Turner]

Earlier discussions on this issue indicated that it depends on the transmission. Some manuals say to put it in reverse when sailing. My manual says to use neutral (Universal 5424 in 1983 CD33). Check your manual if you have one. If not, find someone with the same engine and ask them to look it up.



rdtec@aol.com

[Jerry Hammernik]

Earlier discussions on this issue indicated that it depends on the transmission. Some manuals say to put it in reverse when sailing. My manual says to use neutral (Universal 5424 in 1983 CD33). Check your manual if you have one. If not, find someone with the same engine and ask them to look it up.

The manual with my Volvo MD7 A/B says:
Folding propeller, S-drive. When switching from engine operated running to sailing the propeller rotation is stopped by engaging reverse gear. When sailing maintain the control lever in the reverse position.
Fixed propeller. When sailing the control lever should be in the neutral or reverse position. During long sailing trips with the control lever in the neutral position, the engine should be run for some time every tenth hour in order to ensure lubrication in the drive or reverse gear.
Hope that helps.
Jerry Hammernik
Lion's Paw CD28 #341



dauntles@execpc.com

[John Dupras]

Earlier discussions on this issue indicated that it depends on the transmission. Some manuals say to put it in reverse when sailing. My manual says to use neutral (Universal 5424 in 1983 CD33). Check your manual if you have one. If not, find someone with the same engine and ask them to look it up.

The manual with my Volvo MD7 A/B says:
Folding propeller, S-drive. When switching from engine operated running to sailing the propeller rotation is stopped by engaging reverse gear. When sailing maintain the control lever in the reverse position.
Fixed propeller. When sailing the control lever should be in the neutral or reverse position. During long sailing trips with the control lever in the neutral position, the engine should be run for some time every tenth hour in order to ensure lubrication in the drive or reverse gear.
Hope that helps.
Jerry Hammernik
Lion's Paw CD28 #341

Thanks - That helps a lot.

John
Mariah Intrepid 9M #34



jdupras@wdcorp.com

[John]

When you finally shut off the iron genoa (in my case a Volvo MD7A), should you sail with the prop engaged or free. I thought I remembered reading somewhere once that if it's left to turn freely it could damage the transmission. Any information on this? Thanks.

John

With the Volvo and V-drive its a choice between neutral and reverse. I use neutral. Never ever had a problem.