Message Board
Message board > Engines > Engine stalling On Abrupt Gear Change
Message 6 of 6
Posted by member Edward Cartner on Friday 24 April 2015
Good Afternoon Clive,
Thank you for your supportive opening comment; this past three weeks has brought a whole new meaning to the expression 'steep learning curve'.
Anyway, I took note of the earlier replies and indeed was chastened to see that less panic, more time in neutral seemed to solve my engine management problem. All I need to do now is practice drift assessment and remember the 'golden rule' I have read about - Helm First, Then Gear. I will miss a keel and rudder for a while yet, I fear.
All great fun, though.
Edward Cartner
Add your comment
Message 5 of 6
Posted by member Clive ffitch on Sunday 19 April 2015
Hi Edward,
You are not alone! We swapped over to the world of motor boats from sailing as well, but a couple of seasons down the road now (or should I say fairway!). I noticed myself at the end of last season, the same thing happened to me when coming alongside prior to Adele being taken out. I was going alongside in forward gear, neutral, helm over, burst of astern to pull stern in, when it happened. It was a bit on the windy side at the time and took a second attempt, but was I thought reasonably well planned - albeit better executed the second time! I had thought a tweak on idling might be required for this season, but may indeed just be down to the speed of gear change on my part, although I thought there was a decent pause while I put helm over... a little linger in neutral is definitely good. However, I await checking things out again once we get afloat this year. I would be interested if you still have the same thing happen again.
Have a good season, Clive
Add your comment | ^Top
Message 4 of 6
Posted by member Edward Cartner on Friday 17 April 2015
Thank you Peter and Simon for your helpful comments, they add much to my sum of knowledge about handling small but powerful motor boats.
Add your comment | ^Top
Message 3 of 6
Posted by member Simon Papendick on Wednesday 15 April 2015
Hi Edward,
Outboard are not designed to go through crash gear changes, As you are putting extreme pressures on the gearbox and engine for which they are not designed to take unless they are brand new. If the engine is getting old they are less likely to take that sort of punishment. I would take the maneuvers a little slower and think ahead a little more. I would use the same speed and distance you used when you used when you were sailing a yacht as that way you will not have to use crash tactics to do your maneuvers. It is just an idea.
Regards
Simon
Add your comment | ^Top
Message 2 of 6
Posted by member Peter Cox on Tuesday 14 April 2015
Possibly due to going too quickly between forward and reverse; it is best to wait in neutral, albeit for a very short time, between gear selections. The higher the throttle setting before the change, the longer the wait.
Add your comment | ^Top
Message 1 of 6
Posted by member Edward Cartner on Tuesday 14 April 2015
After 60plus years of sailing boats, we are now embarked on a very steep learning curve with our newly-acquired Yamaha o/b Bosun. Lesson No: 1 was coming up to a buoy and then stern-first into a tight pontoon berth. Slightly panic-stricken corrective throttle and gear selections during each exercise had the engine stall twice. It appears to idle at the recommended rpm, and re-started readily, but what am I doing wrong? Any ideas welcomed.
Add your comment | ^Top
You must be logged in to post to the Hardy Motor Boat Owners Club message board.
Click here to login in. If you’re not yet a HOC member then why not
join us today?
