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Comments

FAQ: HURTH PLACARD

What Is The Preferred Transmission Position While Sailing?

Ron Hill

Guys : Being an original owner has some advantages. I'm attaching a copy of the transmission placards that came with my boat. I think that they are self explanatory. Don't believe that any "warrentee" issues from a defunct company involved. Hurth just doesn't want anyone sailing with the transmission in FORWARD with the engine off.

Ray Irvine
Crew's Nest #1383

If you sail with you gearbox in neutral, I suggest that you check the temperature of the gearbox (with your fingers will do). You will find it get warm to hot after you have been sailing for a few hours. Do not know if that does any damage, but I worry about things that get hot. Even with a feathering Prop, I have learned to always sail with the gearbox in reverse to prevent to prop from un-feathering for any reason.

Ron Hill

I don't think that Carl Hurth had folding/feathering props in mind when those instructions were written. I believe that most folding/feathering props will not do their thing unless the shaft is stopped.

I don't know why you would need to check the transmission temperature, unless you suspect that your transmission is not disengaging when the shifter is in neutral. Check the temp and satisfy your curiousity - also check you packing gland.

The reason for this post is to get rid of the mirth that you damage the transmission by sailing (engine off) with it in neutral. I also wanted to remind everyone to change their oil every year. APACHE #788

Ron

Ray Irvine
Crew's Nest #1383

Ron: All good points – change the oil often etc. As for the gearbox being warm, I found that by chance after sailing in neutral for about 2 hours. I was check to make sure the prop had feathered – was the shaft turning? The shaft was not warm only the gearbox. Just my 2 cents.

Ken & Vicki Juul
#1090 "Luna Loca"

From the on line Universal diesel page

http://www.marinedieseldirect.com/universal/200157/universal-owners-hurth-transmission.html

UNIVERSAL DIESEL WITH HURTH TRANSMISSION
Model HBW-50 (2:1)
Used on Models 12, M2-12, M-18, M3-20, M4-30, M25 and M-25XP

Model HBW-100 (1.8:1)
Used on Models 30, 35, and 40

CAUTION
DO NOT LEAVE GEAR IN FORWARD WHEN SAILING. GEAR MUST BE IN NEUTRAL FOR FREE WHEELING OR SHIFTED INTO REVERSE TO LOCK PROPELLER WHILE SAILING.

CAUTION: TRANSMISSION MUST BE LEFT IN NEUTRAL WHEN SAILING, DO NOT LEAVE IN FORWARD GEAR WHEN SAILING WITHOUT POWER AS IT WILL DAMAGE GEAR.

They mention twice not to leave it in forward, Neutral or reverse when sailing. Think this horse is dead, we should stop beating it.

Thanks to Ron Hill "Apache" for supplying the placard images.

Important: The opinions expressed here are those of the individual contributors to this page, and not those of the Catalina 34 National Association or Catalina Yachts, Inc. Additionally, this material has not been reviewed by Catalina Yachts, Inc. for technical accuracy. This page's maintainer cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information or the desirability of suggested modifications or upgrades. Please obtain assistance from a competent marine mechanic or boatyard prior to making any significant modifications to your vessel.