On 24 Feb 2008, at 10:47, Michael Askin wrote:

> Running a propeller when free running is much lighter work than when
> moored or towing

I have a problem with this concept. How does the engine know what is  
going on "out back" ?

It turns the prop and pushes water backward or forward. I can see that  
it would work harder if stirring treacle rather than water, and less  
hard if running in air.

I suppose when underway in forward gear the water being pushed  
backwards by the prop already has some relative backward motion  
relative to the prop . . . .

Beeky



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