Whirring Noise

[upthesolent]

I did try to research this but I think I will get an answer quicker by raising this probably frequently asked question.

Our recently purchased boat is the first one we have owned with an inboard engine (Vetus M2 C5) which turns via a Volvo Saildrive a fixed 2 blade propeller. Under a good sail, there is this annoying whirring noise (at first I thought it was made by the wind through the rigging). I guess it is the prop turning round as the boat sails through the water.

Please tell me. Is this normal? 'Cos it's bl@@dy annoying!

 

[PeteCooper]

Yes it will be the prop rotating. Depending on what your engine/gearbox manufacturer recommend it may be possible to stop it by putting it in gear while you sail. I have a Yanmar 1GM and put it in reverse while sailing.

 

[peteandthira]

We used to have that annoyance on our Saildrive, and the manual said you should not put it in gear. We later changed to a folding prop and the noise vanished.

Check your manual to see whether or not you can put your engine in gear whilst not using it.

Pops

 

[achwilan]

The usual advise with a shaftline is to stop rotation while sailing: no more noise and a longer life for the shaft seal (and perhaps a very small speed reduction...). The true solution is a folding prop.

 

[thalassa]

Most noise of my old 2-bladed prop disappeared after I had the prop balanced.