Berth in strong tidal currents

[BruceK]

Volvo 290 outdrives. Current up to 6 knts. Should I be leaving the engines in gear to stop the props freewheeling in the current or leave in neutral over the long term?

thanks

 

[alt]

Wouldn't think it matters... the gearbox is in the water so not going to over-heat.

 

[benjenbav]

I think you should be letting them spin, then harvesting the energy.

 

[BruceK]

I think you should be letting them spin, then harvesting the energy.

The concept is sound at least

I was thinking more along the lines of overall gearbox wear vs the possibility of cog teeth chattering in one "locked" position as the tide eddies and swirls round the hull. Over a year there is a lot of movement going on and on quiet calm nights you can hear / feel them turning in the current

Also shaft seal wear?

 

[omega2]

I thought you could tilt them? then hang anodes from them.

 

[KevB]

I thought you could tilt them? then hang anodes from them.

If you tilt them you leave the rams exposed and they might get a critter growing on them then damage the seal when they go back in. Need to tuck them right in when parked.