Do you sail with your transmission in gear?

[CCR2580]

What is the recommend method of sailing...keep your transmission in gear either forward or reverse to stop the prop from turning or just leave in neutral and let prop turn?

[model 10]

The boat goes faster in neutral but it wears out the trans (Paragon) so I put it in gear.

[rocma]

Says who Gus? Do you have scientific proof for this? or only hearsay?

A free rotating shaft causes less damage to your gearbox than one that is being held (braked) by it's gear.
Where there is more wear is on the shaftseal and cutless bearing. But thay are easily replaced.

[Hudson Force]

If you're "free-wheeling" in neutral and spinning your shaft & prop under sail, then you need to consider your choice if you decide to start your engine and engage the transmission. I consider it best to stall the sails and speed in order to still the shaft before engaging a gear. Some recommendations for transmissions are to have the reverse gear engaged while sailing, but then the same requirements applies. It's best to stall your speed before shifting out of gear and then starting your engine. With my Kanzake transmission on my Yanmar I leave my engine in neutral.

The one solution that would be suitable for any engine and transmission would be to leave it in neutral and have a mechanical shaft lock; however, it would be an absolute necessity to not accidently attempt to engage the engine without releasing the shaft lock!

[sailorboy1]

I leave mine in neutral, but I have a folding prop 👌


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[Paul54]

For my older 1985 Catalina 36 the factory recommended sailing with the transmission in reverse. I am not saying this is right or wrong, but it is what both Catalina and Universal diesel recommended.

[Hudson Force]

Originally Posted by Paul54

For my older 1985 Catalina 36 the factory recommended sailing with the transmission in reverse. I am not saying this is right or wrong, but it is what both Catalina and Universal diesel recommended.

I think Paul makes a good observation here by noting that the recommended practice is different among different engines & transmissions.

[Stu Jackson]

You gentlemen are missing the point. It is not Catalina, Universal or Yanmar or any boat or engine builder that makes this distinction.

It is the manufacturer of the transmission that determines what position is proper to avoid damage to the transmission.

In general, Hurth says neutral or reverse, NEVER forward. The Right Transmission Gear for Sailing - C34

Most transmissions on Yanmars require neutral - there was a long discussion about this for years and finally Yanmar issued a service manual on behalf of their transmission builder for their engines which usually have K transmissions.

Do an internet search on "Transmission position" and find out.

[model 10]

The service manual for the trans says put it in gear so it won't wear out the clutch plates. As installed they are very close together and there is some contact when they spin in neutral and it wears them out.

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by Guy

The service manual for the trans says put it in gear so it won't wear out the clutch plates. As installed they are very close together and there is some contact when they spin in neutral and it wears them out.

Good advice but lacking a specific mention of what transmission you are alluding to makes this meaningless, and potentially damaging to the OP.

[Wrong]

Yanmar says to leave in gear, so I do...

KM2P-1 Kanzai tranny on a 2YM-15

[model 10]

Originally Posted by Stu Jackson

Good advice but lacking a specific mention of what transmission you are alluding to makes this meaningless, and potentially damaging to the OP.

Well if you read my first post #2, I said it was a Paragon.

[Sailmonkey]

We have a twin disc/techno drive mg-360. I sail in either neutral or reverse, but never fwd.
I usually leave it in neutral until the spinning prop noise or the rudder wobble gets to me and them I'll dump it astern.
Sailing with the gear engaged ahead wears out the fwd clutch (be it come or disc) as they are not fully engaged without torque from the engine.


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[Group9]

http://www.ericsonyachts.org/infoexc...8&d=1269282236


YANMAR MARINE USA CORP.
101 INTERNATIONAL PARKWAY
ADAIRSVILLE, GA 30103
TELEPHONE
(770) 877-9894
FAX
770-877-7565
BSITE WWW.YANMARMARI
Advisory Number: MSA08-003

DATE February 8, 2008 rs and OEMs
TO: All Marine Distributors, Deale Sailing
SUBJECT: Gear in Neutral WhileODELS: All Sailboat Engines
M
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 at (770) 877- 9894.

[Hudson Force]

Originally Posted by Wrong

Yanmar says to leave in gear, so I do...

KM2P-1 Kanzai tranny on a 2YM-15

'sounds wrong!