Reverse ??????

[LBSailor]

Hello all....

My problem is with reverse. The boat when backing out of the slip or any thing from a standstill to reverse motion is fine the boat backs up great with no problem. The real problem is while the boat is in forward motion it takes forever to slow or even stop at very high rpm while in reverse from the slowest speeds or motion. The boat when underpower forward she motors about 6 kts so I don't think it a prop problem. Any advice or pointers please...

She's an Ericson 35' Atomic 4 with original trans
12,000# gross
3 blade fixed prop

Thanks in advance
-Mike-

[brak]

yeh, take your time and slow down well before situations where you need to stop. boats have a lot of inertia In fact, switching quickly from forward to reverse will create cavitation (term?) around the propeller and render it even less effective.

good thing yours is manageable in reverse. mine spins in circles that depend on time of day, pressure and phase of the moon.

[LBSailor]

I understand inertia and how it works I know the boat is heavy and it won't stop on a dime thats not what I'm looking for.

[Giulietta]

LB does it happen constantly and with the same rate at low speeds as it does at higher forward speeds?

I mean, if you go slow and put in reverse does it do the same as when you do the same while going fast?

[Giulietta]

Djod...that's where I was trying to get to, but he didn't answer yet.

[T37Chef]

Can you spot the shaft spinning when in reverse? I would start there, then if it is, perhaps the prop is the issue.

Sounds like the reverse gear is shot, and under load its not engaging?

[LBSailor]

Giulietta,

Yes it does the same reguardless of my boat speed.

[Giulietta]

LB, if it does that at no matter what forward boat speed your transmission is shot or the engine revs and the gearbox is not "passing" motion to the shaft.

What transmission is it?

Djodenda has a good fix if its a Hurth

[Valiente]

It is likely a Paragon planetary gear if it's a direct drive.

The solution (if no actual transmission problem is found) is to stay in neutral and "coast" near the dock. An Ericson 35 is at the upper limit for an Atomic 4 in terms of producing enough power.

Can you back the boat down under power? There could be wear or slippage in what's called (if I recall properly) the "reversing band" in the transmission. I would suggest you take this question to the Atomic 4 forum, as well.

[LBSailor]

Chef,

The prop is definently turning in reverse because I can see and hear the prop wash thats created as I throttle up the rpm.