Hi Vince: Good questions. Normal operation with 2 engines at 1600 rpm. average speed 7.5kts. fuel usage 3.12gph Single engine operation. 1700-1750rpm. average speed 6.5kts. fuel 2.65gph. helm adjustment 5-7 degrees. The unused shaft is NOT locked. BW trannies can operate in this mode at these rpms.(emphasized in their manual.) Remember we are only in this mode for 6hrs. We did experiment during our training trials on locking the shaft but quickly came to the conclusion that this was a dangerous procedure in case you forgot to unlock it. The KISS principle works very well. Hope this answers your questions. Regards. Leonard Stern, Indifference

At 12:39 PM 12/18/04 -0500, you wrote: >this mode at these rpms.(emphasized in their manual.) Remember we are only >in this mode for 6hrs. We did experiment during our training trials on >locking the shaft but quickly came to the conclusion that this was a >dangerous procedure in case you forgot to unlock it. The KISS principle >works very well. Hope this answers your questions. Regards. Leonard Stern, >Indifference The free wheeling of a prop shaft had a good thrashing on the Trawlering forum about a year ago, should be in the archives. One time we wanted to prevent the shaft from turning. Just wrapped a 3/4 inch nylon line around the coupling and tied it down. The shaft just rotated until the line came taut and it was strong enough to not break. Be careful what you tie the line to. Mike Capt. Mike Maurice Tualatin(Portland), Oregon