Big Andy
Well-Known Member
We have a Beta 38hp engine and I've read the manual from end to end and can't see any advice on this matter. Does anyone know the answer to in gear or out of gear when sailing?
Thanks Andy.
Thanks Andy.
Neutral or in gear when sailing with a beta engine?
- Thread starter Big Andy
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Mariner69
Well-Known Member
Beta 14 for me and it says in gear 1/3rd astern when sailing, anchored or moored.
Last edited:
KellysEye
Well-Known Member
Out of gear the prop will spin in gear it won't and will cause drag.
pvb
Well-Known Member
Depends on which gearbox your engine has. If it's the PRM gearbox, it can be left in neutral and the prop will freewheel and not cause any damage to the gearbox. If you want to stop the prop rotating, you can select reverse gear - do not select forward gear as this may cause damage to the gearbox.
macd
Well-Known Member
As pvb wrote, the specifics are a function of gearbox design, so consult the manual related to that (which will presumably have been supplied with the engine, unless a short engine was fitted). If still in doubt, ask Beta: they're invariably helpful.
As said, freewheeling (fixed*) props cause less drag than locked ones.
* You don't state what type of prop you have, but I'm assuming it's neither folding nor feathering.
As said, freewheeling (fixed*) props cause less drag than locked ones.
* You don't state what type of prop you have, but I'm assuming it's neither folding nor feathering.
Big Andy
Well-Known Member
Thanks for input, looks like I'll have to take a closer look at the gearbox before going any further, I'll be on the boat this weekend so that's no great hardship.
Mac you assume right it's a fixed three blade prop not folding or feathering, I should have stated that in post #1.
Mac you assume right it's a fixed three blade prop not folding or feathering, I should have stated that in post #1.
langstonelayabout
Well-Known Member
We have a Beta 20 with a folding prop. There is no need to put it either gear as the folding prop does just that and we have little drag or rotation at speed.
Interestingly my cousin's boat has a Beta 14 with a folding prop. He always leaves his in reverse but doesn't know why...
Interestingly my cousin's boat has a Beta 14 with a folding prop. He always leaves his in reverse but doesn't know why...
Fantasie 19
Well-Known Member
We go sailing on a chartered HR34 once a year, has a folding prop, and on that we were advised to kick the gear into reverse when you've stopped engine as it "helps the prop to fold"
..no idea if it's true or not but you can almost feel the increase in speed after doing it, and you also lose the thrumming sound from underneath.... we then just put it back to neutral