Another Hurth question (A different one, I hope)

[jsl]

When sailing, we normally put the engine in gear to stop the prop from turning. It used to engage with a reassuring clunk, but recently, it has seemed to be reluctant to engage. Should I be worried? There is no apparent reluctance when the engine is running.

 

[Caer Urfa]

Why put the engine in gear to stop the prop turning when sailing?
Think about it! a turning prop produces energy, a stop prop produces a barrier!
I get at least 1/2 knot more when prop is left in nutural under sail!
Hope this gives you food for thought.

 

[jsl]

I have thought about this, and some people agree with your practice. But I am more interested, just at the moment, in whether I am seeing the symptoms of some nasty disease in the gearbox.

 

[Caer Urfa]

I also have a Hurth gearbox on my motor sailor, I assume you have checked the usual things.
Oil level,also is oil clear?,If milky looking then you are getting water in the gearbox from the bilges.
Have you checked the gear linkage by the side of the gearbox, does it work freely or is it sticking?
Have you accidently kinked the operating cable?
Hope this helps and your problems are little!
Mike