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Engine down or Engine Up?

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car1260
1st Mate

Member Avatar

USA
29 Posts

Initially Posted - 01/29/2006 : 21:11:06

I have been raising our Honda 9.9 out of the water once we have our sails set. I know it helps with drag in light winds, but does it hurt to leave it in the water in heavy air? The problem is with a tiller, when it comes time to bring the sails in, it is hard to handle lowering the engine, starting it and still being able to control the boat in such close quarters. If I leave it in the water, should I keep it in gear to keep the prop from spinning?

Thanks everyone, for all wonderful advice!

Lovin' it...."Ciao" 2003 250 WB #667

Carolyn Thomas
2003 250 WB #667 "Ciao"

Edited by - on

sailorman
1st Mate

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USA
69 Posts

Response Posted - 01/29/2006 : 21:33:53

I'm sure everybody has a different opinion. I always raise the motor when under sail in any kind of wind. I always put it in neutral when I raise it so it is ready to go whenI lower it again. When ready to take in the sails, I lower the motor and make sure it starts before I lower the sails. This way I always have steerage and don't wind up drifting into trouble.

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car1260
1st Mate

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USA
29 Posts

Response Posted - 01/29/2006 : 22:20:00

Yeah, we do too, but I was wondering if it is a bad idea to just leave it down in heavy weather. We used to have a power boat that had to be towed once, and the guy kept the ob engine in gear(engine off, of course) to keep the prop from spinning. I don't know if the freewheeling prop causes any problems on a small Honda.(Powerboat was a Mercury)

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stewendkos
Navigator

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USA
109 Posts

Response Posted - 01/29/2006 : 23:40:06

We always bring it up to the 2nd click.I once read in the manuel that no water should get in that hole on the rear of the engine just below the cowling(possibly the exhaust hole)so with the engine off,it might ,from following seas or whatever cause a problem.I'd look though the book or ask your dealer.Please let us know if you do get an answer.

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mday
Navigator

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197 Posts

Response Posted - 01/30/2006 : 12:11:04

I frequently sail with the motor in the water (also a Honda 9.9 xls) .... for just the reason you mention .... out there sigle handed and not having to struggle with lowering it when things are rockin' n rollin'. Yes, it creates some drag, but in windy conditions I don't feel it matters much and having it handy to start up makes me more comfortable. The prop definitely does freewheel ..... I tend to put it in reverse to keep it from spinnning .... mostly because when I am underway and try forward, I hear some minor grinding as the gears engage. Reverse seems to pop right in without any clunking. Probably an effect of the direction the prop is freewheeling.

Just the other day I was out in blustery winds. It got to the point where it was time to set a reef. I did this by starting the motor (which was in position in the water) and heading into the wind while I got the reef in. Underway again, I left the motor idling until I was satisifed the reef was in securely. Then I shut it off, but left it in the water. I was still blasting along at 4.5 - 5 knots with the 1st reef in and the jib rolled up halfway ..... but nicely in control and "Lovin' it".

I sail on an inland lake and don't have much surf to deal with other than what gets whipped up by the wind. Even in some fairly heavy surf I've been sailing in on the Chesapeake Bay and Florida Keys (although not in a C250), I don't think I'd be worried about waves dousing the motor so badly it wouldn't operate .... I'd be more concerned about the prop coming out of the water. If you read some of Arlyn's encounters with stormy Great Lakes, you can effectively motor in some rather crappy weather too.

Max

Edited by - mday on 01/30/2006 13:08:14

bear
Admiral

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USA
909 Posts

Response Posted - 01/30/2006 : 12:37:12

I agree with Max. I single-handed 90% of the time and if its a little blustery I have the motor ready to go. I do leave it in neuteral. Since I don't race and nobody really notices its fine in the water for my needs.

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Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3321 Posts

Response Posted - 01/30/2006 : 18:31:15

"I once read in the manuel that no water should get in that hole on the rear of the engine just below the cowling(possibly the exhaust hole"
The first day that we raced at Lake Cheney (in 20 mph winds) we attempted to run a 155% genoa - and promptly heeled so much that the O/B, still running and without a cowling that had been lost en route, was completely submerged. We dropped the genoa, hoisted a 105%, and hauled up the motor. After racing it started with the first turn of the key (remote controls).

Derek

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stewendkos
Navigator

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USA
109 Posts

Response Posted - 01/31/2006 : 13:20:10

Friends,I,m not trying to step on anybody because we all have the same focus-to become better sailors.
I called Honda tech.and here's the story:The engine needs to be up to prevent water from going into the exhaust port (little hole in the rear below the cowling.With the engine not running water can be forced into what they call the exhaust pressure release valve which is a tube that goes directly into the cylinders.Of course,under calm conditions that probably would'nt happen,but they said that it could especially if you have a following sea or the boat starts to hobby -horse.I'm gonna keep mine up.
Steve
.

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mday
Navigator

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197 Posts

Response Posted - 01/31/2006 : 15:12:23

Steve,

Thanks for the research! This is certainly good to know.

Max

Edited by - on

car1260
1st Mate

Members Avatar

USA
29 Posts

Response Posted - 01/31/2006 : 16:52:09

Thanks everybody! Steve, thanks for getting the factory line for us, however, I wonder what the factory has to say about when the engine is up and it's raining cats & dogs? (I watched the water pour in the hole with it up in the rain)

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stewendkos
Navigator

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USA
109 Posts

Response Posted - 02/01/2006 : 01:57:31

Friends again,
I was on my boat today,and I had to see if I've really read it,and sure enough on page 33 of the 2003 Honda manual.........
Carolyn,They are probably talking about water with force enough to open the pressure valve Rain won't do it Enjoy and I appreciated the question.

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.