There are some Maramus and Santorins out there that benefit greatly from the prop shaft alternator. The only time I engage reverse with the engine off is to ensure the prop shaft alternator is off prior to startup of the engine. I only engage forward when the engine is on and I want to go forward.
A while back someone at Amel told me to always leave it in forward and to never even put the transmission in neutral when sailing. The explanation was that the Autoprop will spin in reverse (or try to) when the boat is moving forward. The idea is to stop the engine with it still in gear and then push it all the way forward. To start the engine, pull back on the throttle as far as possible while leaving it in gear. Then start the engine. Putting the transmission in neutral allows the prop to spin—fast in reverse. Then when you move it into gear, the small clutches in the transmission get a ferocious bang. They don’t last very long with much of this treatment. Leaving it in forward makes sure that the transmission never is subjected to a shock.
Who’d of thought there was so much to know about transmissions and their lubrication! Foley website full of interesting information. On a related topic.
Dr. Diesel Tip #101 at Foley says DO NOT put Hurth trans into forward to stop freewheeling, only reverse.
We have always put the trans in forward to stop the freewheeling and fold the Autoprop when under sail. Given Amels have a “C” drive, does Dr. Diesels Tip apply? Have to pose the question just in case there are opinions among our ranks.
