Can i run my Volvo on reverse all season?

[Capt Len]

Picture the prop on the shaft. Standing behind it,imagine the foreward edge of the blades are screwing into the water as you turn it.If this is clockwise it's a rt hand. If you are turning it counter clockwise to screw into water from the bow it's a left hd. Rt hand wheels will walk to port in reverse if you need to know. I vote for 'adjust the Maxi' Less than 30 min work. Not in the water..

[Capnblu]

This will have no effect whatsoever on a transmission thrust bearings unless he drove the darn thing around all year BACKING UP! The thrust driving forward would still load the bearing meant to take it.

[Rockter]

I would not run it in reverse. It is like a car and whines like crazy. I would be wary of it for the long hours.

[tommays]

It is a FAR MORE complex issue than it would appear and it depends ON THE TRANSMISSION DESIGN

Some transmissions can do left or right hand props without issue and some will be damaged if they are run in reverse and you can argue all you want BUT that is the way it is JUST some can be left in gear when sailing and others cant

[boatpoker]

Never seen a Volvo with right hand rotation !

[dabnis]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

Never seen a Volvo with right hand rotation !

Maybe something went wrong and the engine is running backwards?
I have read about 2 stroke diesels running backwards and have experienced 2 stroke motorcycle engines starting backwards, big surprise when you let the clutch out!!, although they do run rough when running backwards. I know, too much time on my hands, putting off going down into the cold garage to work.

Dabnis

[Fstbttms]

Max Props can be installed with either righthand or lefthand rotation. Seems likely the prop was assembled incorrectly. The proper fix is to reinstall the blades with the proper rotation and pitch settings (and this requires taking the prop apart, down to the hub.) Not a particularly huge deal and can be done underwater.

[Capt Len]

It's only a few minute job but I wouldn't try it in the water. those tiny ss bolts and cotter pins are hard to find in the mud , let alone looking for #2 blade some where to the east. Do it right and pump it full of maxi lube. Make sure the zinc is on tight with sticky seize .

[Fstbttms]

Originally Posted by Capt Len

It's only a few minute job but I wouldn't try it in the water. those tiny ss bolts and cotter pins are hard to find in the mud , let alone looking for #2 blade some where to the east. Do it right and pump it full of maxi lube. Make sure the zinc is on tight with sticky seize .

PYI in Seattle maintains a list of divers who can maintain and adjust Max Props underwater. I'm one of them. I have performed many dozens of underwater installations and repitches with a 100% success rate and zero lost parts. It's no big deal when you are properly equipped and know what you're doing. But if you'd rather pay for a haulout- well, it's your dime.

[Minnewaska]

Let's think of this problem this way. When your boat is for sale someday, would you be comfortable to hang a sign on her that says "I once installed the prop backwards and rather than fix it, I drove her in reverse all season"

I wish used boats came with those signs.