Reverse problem Paragon SAOV

[Mary Mac]

Reverse doesn’t seem to work well on my 34-III Westerbeke 30 with V drive. I adjusted it per the manual about a year ago. It engages, and I know I have to hold it in reverse. I needed it yesterday while docking, but it didn’t do anything. Then, it stayed in reverse yesterday after docking instead of popping back into neutral. An experienced friend thinks it is weird and not working correctly. I had an Ericson with the same kind of reverse gear, and it felt the same. Anyone have maintenance experience with these?

[Salty_Jake]

Hi Mary: It's sad that this old post did not receive any feedback. I am having similar issues with my Westerbeke (24 HP) on my 1978 34-III. When I shift into reverse, it (barely) shifts into gear, though it really isn't noticeable. The power in reverse is almost nonexistent - I can back out of my slip when the wind isn't hard on the stern, but again, barely. Have you been able to improve your performance? Cheers!

[Mary Mac]

Hi Jake,

It has been a couple years since this post, and I have fixed the problem by rebuilding my transmission. My clutch plates were worn from age and clutch slippage. I have some other posts on here that you may find helpful. Which transmission do you have? Probably Paragon SA0V with Walters v-drive.

The way the transmission works, you have to hold it in reverse. It's like a brake. It should pop out of reverse easily when you let go, or with a gentle nudge forward. There is no "clunk" when you shift to reverse like there is in forward, but you should be able to hear the difference in the sound (and hopefully start moving backward!). You'll have to get a little speed before the rudder has enough flow over it to be useful. You probably already know this.

You probably know this, too but the thing doesn't back up very nicely. I am in an upwind slip that gets a lot of wind and current. I let the wind decide which way my bow goes, because reverse doesn't do enough on its own to overcome it at slow speeds. If the bow swings to the right, I back out, if the bow swings to the left I go forward. If there's no wind, I get to choose.

First thing I would try is adjusting the reversing band. Small adjustments. I posted a video when I was figuring it out here: https://svmuleka.com/boat-projects/para ... ent-video/

When you adjust, make sure you still have neutral available by shifting to neutral and looking at the shaft. The shaft should not spin in neutral, but if the adjustment is off or your plates are worn, the shaft will not stop spinning.. you aren't in neutral.

Also make sure you are getting full forward and reverse engagement from the shifter. My shifter cable was seized and not allowing full throw forward. That may have contributed to the slippage.

How is the condition of your propeller?

Let me know if you have questions. I hope that helps.