I second (or third) that motion
My experiences allign with those of Guy and Nate...
The feathering Martec is more powerful in reverse and almost all of the previous prop walk in reverse went away. This was in comparison to the stock two blade fixed prop.
Funny as it sounds, the benefits of reverse power were almost worth more than the lowered drag under sail.
A diesel mechanic in our YC also advises to keep the revs up in the cruising range specified by the manufacturer, which for our late 80's Universal is 2400 to 2600 rpm. Actually, our engine runs just as smooth maxed out at about 2900 rpm indicated, and 6.8 kts. I save that for times when I am really in a hurry, however.
"Hammer Down, good buddy"
"Breaker Breaker, any takers? CB Savage Calling...."
"This here's the Duck!"
Ya don't hear that on the radio (around here) any more...
Loren in PDX
Olson 34 #8