Propeller shaft brake

[lowlander]

I need to fit a propeller shaft brake of some description to stop shaft revolving when I am sailing.(Yacht fitted with fairly large 3 blade prop) Any ideas on the best way forward?

 

[26ft_bathtub]

I just pop mine into gear.

 

[lowlander]

Have tried putting into reverse but have difficulty in getting back into neutral to restart engine and often have to jab starter button in order to move gear lever.I feel this is putting excess stress on starter motor.

 

[26ft_bathtub]

Hm. What about forward?

 

[lowlander]

Will try your suggestion about forward, but I feel some mechanical system would suit me better, many thanks.

 

[theotter]

Take the speed off the boat i.e. try and stop prop turning before engaging reverse. You may find it binds less and stops your problem of getting back into neutral when you want to start the engine.

 

[26ft_bathtub]

If that doesn't work, you could try fitting a folding prop. They have their own set of problems, of course.

Out of curiosity, why do you need it to stop turning while under sail?

 

[Skyva_2]

What engine do you have?

Yanmar recommend not to put the engine in gear - they say it stresses the gearbox and as you are finding you have to start the engine to get into neutral.

 

[Skyva_2]

Found this previous thread. I have the same problem but hope to solve with a feathering prop.

http://www.ybw.com/forums/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/856929/page/0/fpart/all/vc/1

 

[lowlander]

When prop shaft turns due to forward motion of boat whilst sailing an annoying whine comes from the gearbox.

 

[lowlander]

Yacht fitted with volvo penta 2003T

 

[Skyva_2]

Hmmm. We did not have the problem on a Volvo 2003, just put it in and out of reverse quite easily. Maybe the 2003T has a different gearbox?

 

[26ft_bathtub]

Mine's a Yanmar and it has no trouble switching gears when it's off. Probably depends on the individual engine a bit.

I also plonk it into gear because of the noise. It's not bad enough that I'd consider adding to my list of stuff I've not had time to do yet, though.

 

[Kantara]

If it is a shaft drive Volvo state quite specifically that the engine should NOT be left in gear.
There has been some suggestion that leaving the engine in gear has contributed to the well known spline problem, although there is discussion either way.

 

[ColinHuggins]

Engine in gear when sailing? Definitely - 'anchoring' to a crab pot in the Looe Channel convinced me.

Feathering prop? Had Darglow of Poole's 2-bladed on my previous: excellent performance (backwards too), very little propwalk, maintenance free, no problems. Highly recommended.

 

[26ft_bathtub]

This 'backwards' you talk of... sounds intriguing.

I have two gears: 'forward' and 'rotate'.

 

[Vara]

http://www.bruntons-propellers.com/products/variable/autolock/

But it aint cheap.

 

[angelsson]

I use a short piece of cane between the coupling and bulkhead which is just strong enough to stop the prop turning the shaft, but will snap easily if it is forgotten when starting or an emergency start is required on the key.
DO NOT use anything stronger which would prevent a start if forgotten.

 

[npf1]

FYI - a shaft brake is still required with an Autoprop.

 

[Stemar]

The Blue Peter version involves a trip to the breakers for small disc brake and a bit of bricolage to make it work with a lever.