Fixed Prop

[saltyrob]

Hi folks,

I have fitted a two bladed fixed prop to our boat for the season, as the existing folding prop is past its sell by date. Therefore when sailing and on our swing mooring should the engine be left in or out of gear,

Many thanks

Rob

 

[Flossdog]

Most people leave the engine in gear to stop it rotating which causes wear and tear and is also rather noisy.

 

[PCUK]

Depends on the gearbox. Some hydraulic gearboxes must not be left to freewheel either in gear or in neutral. Shaft must locked.

 

[rivonia]

Please read your owners manuel for the paticular engine/gearbox that you have. They ALL differ. We used to leave our Yanmar in gear but our Volvo 2020 states that it should be out of gear. Both engines were/are sail drives.

 

[charles_reed]

To answer your question - unless more than about 1.5kt of stream it's irrelevant.

If higher streams (and in The Dovey springs used to reach 6kts) it's a good idea to leave it in gear, unless you have an hydraulic box or the misfortune to own a Volvo saildrive with its attendant malfeasances. Reverse is usually more effective than forward.