[C320-list] neutral or in gear while under sail

[clburti at gmail.com]

Often debated, convincing arguments either way, but here is the official word from Yanmar in the form of their service advisory.


Advisory Number: MSA08-003:

DATE February 8, 2008 Dealers and OEMs
TO: All Marine Distributors
SUBJECT: Gear in Neutral While Sailing All MODELS: 

All Sailboat Engines

We continue to get questions regarding the correct gear position while sailing with the engine OFF. This advisory is issued as a reminder; Yanmar requires that if sailing with the engine OFF (not running) the transmission  shifter must be in the neutral position or internal damage to the gear or sail-drive will result. This damage will not be covered by Yanmar’s Limited Warranty. Please instruct customers and dealers who deliver the sailboat to the customer, of the correct (Neutral) position for the marine gear while sailing.

If the customer desires that the propeller shaft not spin while sailing, either a folding propeller, shaft break, or other suitable device may be used. However, Yanmar accepts no responsibility for the selection, installation, or operation of such devices. Please also refer to Marine service advisory “MSA07-001_Yanmar Sail Drive Propeller Selection” for additional information.

If you have any questions regarding this advisory please contact a Customer Support representative.

______________________________________________________________


This advisory does not apply to hydraulic gear boxes or the few models that used Hurth/ZF.






Fair Winds
Chris Burti
Commitment
Catalina 320, #867





From: Gene Helfman
Sent: ‎Thursday‎, ‎October‎ ‎16‎, ‎2014 ‎10‎:‎29‎ ‎PM
To: 320





 Had enough wind today to hear the prop rotating while on a reach.  Ensuing
discussion with two fellow sailors on the boat at the time.  One maintains
that tranny should be in reverse when under sail because turning shaft
insufficiently lubricated when engine is not on. I've always put it in
neutral to reduce drag and figure since the cooling water is on the drip
drip drip should prevent any real shaft friction.

Opinions? (3GM30F, Satori, #398, 1997)

-- 
Gene Helfman, Professor Emeritus
Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia
PERMANENT address:
    498 Shoreland Dr., Lopez Is., WA 98261
    (360) 468-2136
    genehelfman at gmail.com

"You noticed nobody gives a damn about beached minnows."