Propeller and shaft

[Dave Patstone]

I recently installed a kicker on my Ranger R25SC (a Yamaha 9.9 high thrust with remote control and wireless steering).
Used it yesterday while fishing for the first time and I noticed that the propeller (output) shaft and prop on the main drive are turning which I expected however I am curious as to weather this is going to cause gearbox problems or not re: lubrication etc.
Also it is a constant battle to keep the boat going straight (dead calm day) outboard needs rudder or something ???

 

[LADYBUG TOO]

Probably won't work but try putting the main in gear.

Pat
Ladybug, Too

 

[Osprey]

A free wheeling prop is a common issue for sailboats. My boat had a Yanmar 2GM20 engine with the usual transmission for this engine. Many years of free wheeling did no harm. I finally discovered that putting the transmission in reverse, but not in forward, would lock the shaft and prop. Some sailors, concerned that the free wheeling would decrease sailing speed by a fraction of a knot, had a shaft lock installed. (racing sailors are a bit obsessive). Yeah, but then starting the engine and shifting into gear before releasing the shaft lock became the issue. Bit like driving off in your car with the emergency brake on.
Of course, our Ranger's engine/transmissions are of different manufacture even though they carry the Yanmar label, so my experience may be out dated.
My brother has an different make of cruising boat and he too experiences repeated course corrections when using an auxiliary outboard. The autohelm repeatedly makes back and forth corrections. The outboard on his boat is offset from center which may be part of the cause.

 

[knotflying]

Look at it this way. When you are at a dock or most likely when at anchor the current is passing under you boat and there have been times I have noticed the shaft turning. If this were an issue I am sure it would have been addressed by the manufacturers.

 

[SGIDAVE]

I noticed that the propeller (output) shaft and prop on the main drive are turning which I expected however I am curious as to weather this is going to cause gearbox problems or not re: lubrication etc.?

Hello Dave and others,

Since Yanmars are widely used in the sailing world, I did a quick search...here is a post from a reputable surveyor (sailboatowners.com) where he quotes a Yanmar service bulletin:

Originally Posted by Maine Sail

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.

So let it spin...

Fair winds,

dave

 

[Dave Patstone]

Thanks everyone for your input, I will let her spin and continue to chase those elusive 40lb Gerard rainbows in Kootenay Lake LOL