Turning Props

[David of Essex]

Talking to a guy who has his boat moored in the river Thames on a mooring buoy and he was saying that his twin shafts are turning due the current. I believe he has a Volvo set up how much extra wear, if true does this put on the P bracket and gearbox.
David

 

[Elessar]

anything from some to lots - some gearboxes need the engine running to be properly lubricated.

Just leave it it gear and there will be no problem.

 

[rosssavage]

...unless of course it's a hydraulic g/box, in which case you need the engine running to pump the oil to engage the clutch plates to stop the rotation, which won't stop because now the engines are running the shafts are turning again.... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

That must be some current running there, or tired cutlass bearings in the p bracket / stern tube...

 

[oldgit]

This happens on big ships as well,frequently would observe some real monster propellors slowly revolving with the tide.

 

[omega2]

If they are able to spin freely with the tide pressure, and not leaking water into the boat what's the problem? at least they are not impeding engine power. All cutless bearings need lubrication in one form or another, those lubed by water are fine in water, but when dry can be a real so and so to rotate.