Re: Locking the prop

On Wed, 25 Jun 2008 09:32:03 +0100, "Duncan Heenan"
<duncanheenan@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
wrote:

>I usually sail with the prop locked (by putting it in reverse gear -
fixed 2 
>bladed low tech prop on a sail drive). This avoids the annoying noise of
the 
>gearbox turning over and is something that a lot of sailors do. However,
the 
>handbook for the Volvo MD 2030, says to leave it in neutral when sailing,

>and several people have told me that I am significantly increasing drag
by 
>locking the prop. What do the URS gurus recommend (Please don't recommend
a 
>change of prop, as I want to stay on topic.)

When you are sailing in a steady wind at a constant speed try reading the
speed
before and after locking/unlocking. I have never managed to note a change
of
speed.
-- 

Martin