Clutch problem on SD50 sail drive

[blue-moon]

Clutch shifter problem
I have Yanmar 40hp 3JH5E SD50 engine on my BenOc 40. Yesterday I was just leaving the marina my engine was running fine but propeller was turning very slow. I had to anchor just outside of the marina and checked the propeller (diving visually). Prop was fine no line or anything around it.

I then restarted the engine and everything was fine prop was turning as it should.

Any ideas what is happening Is this a clutch problem on sail drive?

[bil56]

on the lever, check the position of the saildrive control cable, there is an angle to respect on each side of the neutral.
how many engine hours?
the right oil in the gearbox?
jerking when the propeller pushed little?

[johnny666]

Slipping Cone Clutches on SD50's is a well known problem with a relatively easy fix if it all goes well. A search should bring up plenty of "how to" videos and text files on what to do.

[Pete7]

Stopping to check the propeller could easily have caused weed or a plastic bag to come off before you were able to inspect it. Perhaps keep a close eye on it this summer before making any decisions.

First time out this year, the steering was very stiff. Leaning over the stern I could just see a large stick jammed between the top of the rudder and the hull.

Phew, because I was thinking of all sort of problems with big £££ signs.

Pete