How to limp

[mdolesh]

A few weeks ago I was out and had an electrical issue and was unable to use my port side motor. This was the first time where I had to limp home for a considerable distance. It was interesting in several ways and I have few questions. With one motor out what do you do with the other? Leave it down, trim it up, trailer mode up? We also were only able to go 7.5 knots which seems really slow. I have read about hull speed..is that it with one motor or is there a way to have a little more pace? The bay was a little rough and with trailing seas I sure felt like I wished I could go faster.

 

[Carpediem44DB]

It seems like it is best to eliminate drag by having the drive raised. I had a similar issue years ago and had a fifteen mile trek to a haul out facility on my 28 foot dancer. I only could do about 10 knots as well no matter how much power I applied so I just backed way off the power and moved along at hull speed.
Carpe Diem

 

[sbw1]

Lost a prop blade to an unmarked fishing net a while back. Put the starboard engine in neutral and shut it down. Made 7 knots for 15 miles on the port engine. There was point trying to go faster as it seemed to add stress and required lots of throttle. So, 2 1/2 hours of sailboat speed to reach a safe harbor.

 

[Little Ducky]

When I had to putt home on one motor there is nothing quick about it.

Too much throttle and the boat just wants to turn in a circle.

Gave me plenty of time to think "What the heck just happened? How many boat bucks will this be?"......

 

[mdolesh]

Thanks guys. Seems like it was normal then. No matter how much throttle I gave it it didnt seem to matter. I definitely had time to think on the way home...

 

[mquiet]

With your set up. Try to get the engine out as this is just drag. Inboards are different. We need to lock off the shaft to the dead engine or we burn up the transmission and shaft. I have had to cruise 60 miles on one engine. I locked off the shaft to the dead engine with rope and used the bolts on the coupler to keep from spinning. Then went about 8kts for 60 miles and docked at my marina to replace a dead starter.....really wished I had a spare! It was a long slow day.

 

[sbw1]

With your set up. Try to get the engine out as this is just drag. Inboards are different. We need to lock off the shaft to the dead engine or we burn up the transmission and shaft. I have had to cruise 60 miles on one engine. I locked off the shaft to the dead engine with rope and used the bolts on the coupler to keep from spinning. Then went about 8kts for 60 miles and docked at my marina to replace a dead starter.....really wished I had a spare! It was a long slow day.

Not all inboards. My starboard prop free wheeled for 2 1/2 hours in neutral until I reached a port. Had the boat pulled and installled my spare prop and I was on my way with no issues. I used to putt around on cocktail cruises on one engine to keep the hours off the meters. Never ever had a issue.

 

[Great lakes pirate]

View attachment 109096
Not all inboards. My starboard prop free wheeled for 2 1/2 hours in neutral until I reached a port. Had the boat pulled and installled my spare prop and I was on my way with no issues. I used to putt around on cocktail cruises on one engine to keep the hours off the meters. Never ever had a issue.

I think you got lucky that you didn't damage the bearings in the transmission. From what I understand if the transmission isn't running the pump isn't lubricating the bearings. I had a friend that toasted his trans because he let it freewheel while on one.

 

[New Horizon]

GLP brings up what I was told years ago when only running on one engine (inboards). Take a pipe wrench and secure it around the dead engine shaft so as to keep the shaft from turning.

 

[mquiet]

I think you got lucky that you didn't damage the bearings in the transmission. From what I understand if the transmission isn't running the pump isn't lubricating the bearings. I had a friend that toasted his trans because he let it freewheel while on one.

I'm with you. People have the crossover which will save the shaft, but the transmission will be cooking without the oil being cooled. Can you do it yes, but will there be damage, yes. Th only way is to lock off the transmission.

 

[sbw1]

I'm with you. People have the crossover which will save the shaft, but the transmission will be cooking without the oil being cooled. Can you do it yes, but will there be damage, yes. Th only way is to lock off the transmission.

Did a little looking after this comment. Apparently it depends on your speed and duration. One hour is not a big deal as long as the speed is low as it would be on one engine. Apparently many fishermen run on one engine and alternate them to keep things under control. Also, just leaving an engine running is considered protective as it keeps the oil in the tranny circulating. Apparently some brands are more robust than others and some models within brands are more robust. Guess you need to know what you have and run accordingly. I never had any issues with Borg Warner or ZF trannys in many years of boating. Maybe I was lucky or just never pushed things too hard. The Tiara is still running strong with no issues.