how can I stop drive shaft freewheeling when sailing?

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duke

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Hi All,

I have recently had a new engine fitted which has a hydraulic gearbox.
When under sail and the engine switched off, the drive shaft rotates (freewheels) causing noise which I could do without.
Any suggestions re this problem? Is there any such thing as a drive shaft brake?

Regards,

Duke.
 
Shaft Brake or Folding, Feathering, Max-prop /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif, Brunton
surely u must have been advised this problem would arrise if u changed from a mechanical box to drybolic type
 
Well this may be a different situation entirely but mine does the same - I thought due to the folding prop. I knock the throttle lever (altho engine stopped) briefly into reverse and the noise disappears. Might be worth a try.
 
you need to fit a shaft brake. worth making the effort to have it operated from the cockpit. devise some scheme to prevent you engaging gear before releasing the brake.
 
Don't know about hydraulics apart from my wee problem. However, a lot of folk just stick the (mechanical) gear into astern after the engine is turned off. There may be theoretical drag, but not noticeably (some tests have suggested less drag oddly enough). Also helps stop rope, nets etc wrapping round the prop.

I'll probably get flamed now for attempting a sensible response about something I know bugger all about. And it's 0121.

Dribble, dribble, dribble................
 
Attempting a sensible response on something you know bugger all about is perfectly acceptable. I have been known to do it myself on the odd occasion.
But I'm sorry, dribbling should not be tolerated on this forum.
 
Re: Snowleopard

Thanks for response.
Any idea where I can get a shaft brake?

Regards,

Duke.
 
Re. Shaft Brake

BT Challenge Yachts have these fitted on their 67' boats. Done by hand - usually the mate dangling over a still fast turning shaft to friction halt the rotation manually. Looks b----y dangerous as well.
They also have folding props fitted, but shaft will keep rotating almost continuously unless braked.
Why not contact them for some advice.
 
I have a spongy keyring, in the shape of an anchor (kindly given to me by, I think, Compass). This is exactly the right size to jam between a bolt head on the flange and a bit of boat. There is a bit of string from it to the cokpit so I can pull it out quickly if I need to start the engine. This has been working for two seasons but the spongy anchor is getting a bit worn. I suppose I will have to buy something from Compass again.
 
We have the same setup and simply selecting reverse after teh engine is stopped locks the shaft.

Does this not work for you?

W
 
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