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I always was told, that while sailing, lock the shaft by putting the transmission in reverse. But now I hear that Yanmar has a bulletin out, saying to leave it in neutral, and let it spin. To quote:
"Advisory Number: MSA08-003:
DATE February 8, 2008 Dealers and OEMs
TO: All Marine Distributors
SUBJECT: Gear in Neutral While Sailing All MODELS:
All Sailboat Engines
We continue to get questions regarding the correct gear position while sailing with the engine OFF. This advisory is issued as a reminder; Yanmar requires that if sailing with the engine OFF (not running) the transmission shifter must be in the neutral position or internal damage to the gear or sail-drive will result. This damage will not be covered by Yanmar's Limited Warranty. Please instruct customers and dealers who deliver the sailboat to the customer, of the correct (Neutral) position for the marine gear while sailing.
If the customer desires that the propeller shaft not spin while sailing, either a folding propeller, shaft break, or other suitable device may be used. However, Yanmar accepts no responsibility for the selection, installation, or operation of such devices. Please also refer to Marine service advisory "MSA07-001_Yanmar Sail Drive Propeller Selection" for additional information.
If you have any questions regarding this advisory please contact a Customer Support representative."
Can anyone explain why this is so?
To me, it makes no sense.
I would think that a rotating shaft and gearbox would wear out the drive eventually.
I accept that they're right, but why?
My understanding is that the metallic cone clutches which can bind tightly when sailing in gear, were being damaged by people forcing them into neutral to start. While it does "bother" me a little to hear the gear spinning, I'm getting used to it.
My next question is ... how to best get my 2 blade Martec prop to close and stay closed? SOP for racing is to rotate the prop shaft to the correct the position to close the Martec blades and lock the trans into reverse.
The best solution to this may be some sort of shaft brake that automatically releases when the motor is running and put into gear. I agree that any parts: seals, gears, cutlass bearings, etc. that constantly turn for no good reason will experience wear. That's obvious. There is friction and friction = wear. The engineering of these marine engines IMO is inadequate in this respect. It's like designing a car with no "Park" on an automatic transmission.
There is another Yanmar bulletin that s more detailed and states that if you have a folding or feathering prop reverse is OK. Fixed prop must be in neutral.
Do you have the number of that advisory (or even better a copy of it). Were told by Yanmar DK that reverse was not allowed even with folding propellers.
Ours is barely audible and you have to listen very, very carefully for it. We have a computer fan that circulates air in the icebox that is louder than our prop spinning. To hear that you need to pretty much put your head on the counter.... Perhaps it is the gear box that noisy? Ours is pretty much silent..
I have been following a similar thread somewhere. I have a Yanmar 2QM20. I was putting it in reverse while sailing but after seeing this bulletin in a few places now I'm putting it in neutral and letting it spin. But I have to say the noise makes me wonder. It's just that now I hear something where before I didn't.
"Engine Maufacturer Warns Against Using Engine - It will wear out!"
Have you ever met someone (note, not 3rd party hearsay) who has ripped his gear box apart from being a Reverser?
I've been cruising 15 years full time in amongst thousands of long range cruisers and have never hear of it happening to anyone I've met. Indeed the only place I've heard it a problem is in internet forums. Further, no one on a forum has said 'it happened to me'. All I ever read is finger wagging.
That's a good point. And I have never had a problem shifting it back to neutral to crank it back up. I think I may just go back to my old habits. Well, except for drugs. Don't do drugs, they're bad.
Who in their right mind would buy a marine transmission for a sailboat that will be spinning all the time when you are sailing? It makes such a noise when it does and it will wear out the stern bearing prematurely. And what about the gearbox bearings turning all the time you are moving?
Forget it. Not for me.
The on the Volvo MD17C (and D), and the MD11, the Volvo MS series 'box will allow you to select reverse with the motor stopped. When you do, the prop will stop spinning. Now 45 years on, it is still OK.
I always ran in reverse, Volvos, Perkins etc. etc. then 2010 got a boat with yanmar/kansaki (whatever) and after running under the spin for 30 NM damn if it wasn't stuck solid in R. So started in Reverse and later found the TSB from Yanmar.In regard to noise I wrote of 9 years ago, I have discovered it is quieter with fresh packing. If I still had a Perkins/Hurth I would run it in reverse just like the big red tag on the trans used to say.
The prop on my Yanmar doesn't spin when sailing with the trans in neutral. I have a folding prop.
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