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Yanmar while sailing, reverse or neutral?

15K views 28 replies 17 participants last post by  JimsCAL 
#1 ·
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."

True, or internet rumor?
Thanks
 
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#6 ·
You could put it in reverse momentarily to feather the prop.. then in neutral afterwards and nothing should turn.
 
#7 ·
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.
 
#10 ·
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.
 
#13 ·
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..
 
#20 ·
"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.

Fwiw.
Ymmv
Touch wood.
😁
 
#23 · (Edited)
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.
 
#27 ·
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.
 
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