WHile out sailing yesterday, we kept hearing (spuradically) a noise
like something turning. We kept looking around and listening but could
not find anything that we figured would be responsible for the noise.
Finally we figured it must be the propellor turning. It only seemed to
happen when close on the wind. We have a 26C with a Westerbeke 21 and
a fixed 2 blade prop. Is this a normal thing?
I have heard the same thing. It is a very quiet ‘whirring’ sound - we have concluded it is the sound of the blades turning because we’re going so fast.
I believe it is your propellor shaft spinning that you are hearing. You should be sailing with your transmission in forward (if a V-drive reverse). This will put enough resistance on the shaft to stop it from turning.
Jamie Morrison
Dexterity II
30U 225
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Chris,
we have a 30 Ultra with a folding gori prop and have had the prop spinning and hearing the noise you describe.
Just put the engine in reverse. Assume you have a non folding prop, just suffer with the extra drag.
Lorie (& Angie) Simone
REVELATION NS30U #260
Kingston, ON
East - Lake Ontario
613 634 7457: Fax 613 634 2674
I believe that most transmissions don’t care if it turns when sailing and with a fixed prop, it’s less drag. Be sure to check the transmission manufacturer’s manual first. If you want it to stop, put it in reverse, not forward.
Joe Valinoti
S/V IL Gatto NS30U #221 (1984)
Sea Harbour Yacht Club
Oriental, NC
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Likely it is from the prop turning (free-wheeling), as you suggest. However
it should be fairly constant - not just while sailing close winded.
If it is the prop, just put the transmission in reverse and the noise will
stop. Saves wear on the gears and cutlass bearing as well.
Larry Jack
1984 U 261 'Felina'
Mine will do this too from time to time. I put it in reverse and it
stops and I then go back into neutral