Right Hand Prop versus Left Hand Prop - OEM versus installed

[ta79pr]

I am confused, can anyone help me stop overanalyzing?
1998 Four Winns Horizon QX with 3.0 and Cobra SX drive. I believe the drive unit is a 1996, because the label on the drive unit says 1.97:1 gear ratio, and the OMC cobra PDF says that If 1996, 3868391 decodes to 1.97:1 gear ratio [if 1997, 3868391 decodes to 2.18:1 gear ratio, there is no 3868391 listed for 1998]. Engine code is 302CPLKD, the L meaning left hand. The shift linkage is installed on the left side [

https://imgur.com/a/y8tXHhn

]. There has been a RH propeller installed.
Is this supposed to be RH or LH, or does it matter?
Am I using the "wrong" side of the clutch cone when in "forward" for a RH prop, versus using the "other" side of the clutch cone if I was using a LH propeller and the linkage was switched?
Boat runs good, I was just swapping to a 4 blade propeller and got totally confused as to specs versus what was installed.
Will switching to a LH prop and swapping the linkage allow me to use the "other" side of the clone clutch when in forward and extend the wear and tear?

 

[kenny nunez]

The drive is designed to run either way, that way they can be used on a dual engine boat.

 

[Horigan]

The way to tell is to put the shifter in forward and try to spin the prop in the forward rotation direction. If it spins forward, but not backward, it's set up for forward. Yes, if you put a left hand prop on and switch the linkage, you'll be using the other side of the cone for forward (previously the reverse side).

 

[ta79pr]

Yes, if you put a left hand prop on and switch the linkage, you'll be using the other side of the cone for forward (previously the reverse side).

Seems like it would be a no-brainer for one to switch the linkage and change prop direction in the 2nd half of a boat's life - to radically increase the life span of the cone clutch? Assuming everything else is more or less within operating parameters.
I appreciate the replies, I am quite impressed at the design - what a simple solution to manufacture one unit that can easily be configured for RH or LF props.

 

[ta79pr]

replying to myself, found another forum entry that suggests all is not equal in LH versus RH prop setup. There is a brass keeper ring (aka wear washer) that gets stressed in LH mode, and not stressed in RH mode.

https://www.marineengine.com/boat-forum/threads/volvo-penta-aq-280-prop-rotation.406392/post-418414

 

[Horigan]

I wouldn't worry about that design difference. Both ends are supported for axial loads, just in different manners. Twin engine installations run a drive in each direction with no issues.

 

[muc]

maybe I can help you stop overanalyzing
The L in your model number is part of the LK model year designation = 1996-1997 model year.
The "brass keeper ring" hasn't been used in many decades, you have a SX not a 280.
Cone clutch's wear out for a number of reasons. Wrong gear lube, bad shift linkage adjustment and operator error --- shifting at too high RPMs and lazy shifting. Not from how long they're engaged in forward or reverse.
Choice of LH or RH prop is more due to boat design. Mostly if the operator is seated on the port side it will run a LH prop, if starboard steering wheel placement it will have a RH prop.
But in the end, you have a 3.0L single engine boat. You don't have enough speed/horsepower to really make much difference. Probably will be happier with a RH prop.

 

[ta79pr]

Thank you all, I appreciate this forum. This hobby helps keep me sane, but also sometimes causes me to overthink things.