[C320-list] Folding Prop - and Oh I forgot to ask

[jonvez at comcast.net]

Hi Randy,
With the type of clutches on the Yanmars, it doesn't matter whether it's in forward or reverse. Some feathering props will fold  only in one of these positions. I have an Autoprop and it happens to lock (not freewheel the shaft when sailing) when in forward, others need to use reverse. The best way to determine this is to go sailing and have someone observe whether the shaft locks in forward or reverse and that will end up being the 'right way' for you. 
If you can use forward, the advantage is you will not have to stop the boat completely to put the transmission in neutral when starting, or as Joe mentions start in reverse. There is a lot of tension placed on the prop which makes it very difficult to shift, so most just start the engine in whatever gear you happen to be in....Hope this helps...

Regards,

Jon Vez
Solstice #582
Boston, MA

-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: "Charles Greenwell" <CGreenwell at sparusa.com> 

> One last question I forget to ask… The Flex-O-Fold documentation recommends that 
> I put the engine in reverse while sailing. I have read in this list that other 
> prop manufactures recommend forward. 
> 
> What gives here? Which is better? 
> 
> Randy 
> C320 - 719 
> 
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