How to set Universal Diesel while sailing

[Arnie Hoffman]

I have an O'Day 30 with a 16 HP 2 cylinder Universal Diesel. Does anyone have a definitive answer whether to leave the gearshift in N,F or R while sailing without the motor running. Does it make any difference. Thanks for your responses in advance.

 

[Wayne Rigby]

using reverse gear to lock prop

I have an O'Day 34 with Universal Model 25 diesel. The owner's manual specifies using reverse to lock the prop. Mine rotates and is annoying while sailing if in neutral. Same thing was true of my previous O'Day 272 with a Westerbeke diesel. You need to remember to shift to neutral before starting. Also good to mark the shaft so you can line the prop up with the shaft strut to reduce drag a bit. I have mine marked but usually don't bother to look.