[C320-list] Kiwiprop under sail

[Gene Helfman]

We had a discussion about this back in Oct 2014 (we are #398, 1997 with a
Yanmar 3GM30F).  It's more a matter of transmission issues than prop, but
obviously which prop you have affects the decision.  Here's a summary of
the "conclusions" from that exchange:


----------------------------------------------------------------------
>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
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Martin Rosenberg <martinlrosenberg at gmail.com>
Date: Fri, Oct 17, 2014 at 7:16 AM
Subject: Re: [C320-list] neutral or in gear while under sail
To: C320-List at catalina320.com


Before the 2008 Service Advisory, I was always told, by Mack Boring (a
certified Yanmar facility) that the transmission would not get sufficient
lubrication when powered by the turning propeller rather than the engine
and that it should be in reverse when sailing without the engine running, I
have also found (please don't ask why) that a non-rotating propeller will
not be fouled by a spinnaker line or other stuff in the water. I have owned
2 Yanmar engines over the past 18 years and have never experienced or heard
of anyone having a problem from sailing with the transmission in reverse
gear. I have heard, however, that there is the possibility of damage if you
try to force the lever into neutral while the pressure of the water is
holding it in place. I have also heard that Yanmar is concerned because the
safest way to move the lever to neutral is after starting the engine and
they are afraid of being liable for physical damage if the engine is
started in reverse.
Martin Rosenberg
Avalon  #823

On Fri, Jun 9, 2017 at 11:41 AM, Daryl Hunt <drhunt at rochester.rr.com> wrote:

> I installed a new feathering Kiwiprop on Believe this spring and now have
> some experience with it.  Under power, forward and reverse it performs
> every bit as well as my fixed 3-blade prop.  I may do a bit better speed at
> my cruising rpms of 2600.  Under sail last weekend I got sustained 7.5 kt
> on a close reach in 11-12 kt apparent wind.   However, I did still notice
> quite a bit of turbulence off the center of the swim platform.   Checking
> the prop shaft below, I notice it turns with the transmission in neutral,
> reverse and forward (slower).   I couldn't find anything in the Kiwiprop
> documentation indicating what state the transmission should be in while
> under sail.   Any guidance from you C320 Kiwiprop owners?
>
> Best regards,
> Daryl
>
> Daryl Hunt
> 1999 C320 #660 /Believe /
> Rochester, NY - Lake Ontario
>
>
>
> ---
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-- 
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

*I'm a mad scientist.  And I'm growing madder with each passing day.*