Graham_Wright
Well-Known Member
Following a recent thread, I am wondering if the ratio of my gearbox, currently 1:1 ahead and 1:0.85 astern, can be changed.
Very unusual to have a 1:1 on a box designed for displacement boats with modern high speed engines. The 2:1 and 2.6:1 options are the most common. The aim is to get a shaft speed in the 1500-1700 rpm range. Most modern diesels peak in the 3000-3600 rpm range and 2:1 is far and away the most common, although Volvo use 2.2:1. The 2.6:1 is used for the odd engine that peaks at around 4000rpm or more commonly where the boat requires a large diameter flatter pitch prop - usually heavy displacement long keel boats. For example my old Eventide had first a Yanmar 1GM then a Nanni 14. With a 2:1 reduction the prop would be 12", but with a 3.1:1 for the Yanmar and 2.6 for the Nanni I was able to increase this to first 14" fixed and then 15" feathering.Thanks for the link.
My memory must be defective.
I will check the ratios this weekend. 1:1 seems not to exist.
Yes but I either misread it, it is damaged or (most probably) I have forgotten!The reduction ration will be on the plate on the box itself.
Prop, engine and gearbox are as the designer specified. However, boat should achieve 8 knots, only manages 3.4!What is the problem? and why do you think you might want to change ratios?
You have a considerable problem. Are prop. and bottom clean? What's the engine and what are the revs. at full power under-way? Prop. calc. programmes are available free on-line. to help with matching the parameters.Prop, engine and gearbox are as the designer specified. However, boat should achieve 8 knots, only manages 3.4!
Gut feeling is that prop is too big/coarse pitched.
Likely whoever specified the prop did not get it right. That amount of speed differential would not be just due to a difference in reduction ratio between 2:1 and 2.6:1. If you are only getting 3.4 knots then the engine is probably only achieving under 2000rpm - and sounding awful! 8 knots is a bitt Over the top - more like 7.6. The aim of prop sizing is to get a size that allows the engine to achieve close to its maximum rated RPM and a speed in flat water just over "theoretical" hull speed.Prop, engine and gearbox are as the designer specified. However, boat should achieve 8 knots, only manages 3.4!
Gut feeling is that prop is too big/coarse pitched.
I am!While I agree that 1200rpm max is low, you might be surprised at how big a difference even what seems a relatively small change makes. The recommended prop for this boat (from the information I have) with a 2:1 reduction is 15*9, and with a 2.6:1 17*11 - that is 4"" in diameter/pitch or up 1200rpm difference.
No doubt Graham will come back when he has more information.
You probably told us in an earlier post - what is the engine ? & what is your shaft size,taper & prop rotationI am!
Gearbox ratios are A 1:1.9, B 1:1.85.
Prop is 17 X 15.5. Spare prop is 17 X 10. (Recommended 17 X 11.)
Swop the prop and all will be well?