What should be done if a shaft gets fouled while motoring?

When a shaft gets fouled while motoring, the appropriate action is to shift to neutral. This allows the engine to run without engaging the propeller, thus preventing further fouling or damage. By shifting to neutral, you can assess the situation and take appropriate steps to clear the fouling without putting additional strain on the engine or the propulsion system.

Turning off the engine is not the best choice in this scenario because, while it stops the immediate problem, you may lose control of the vessel, especially if it's in a busy or restricted area. Shifting to reverse is typically employed to free a fouled line, but if the vessel is already moving forward or if the situation does not call for it, this action may not be effective. Increasing engine throttle would also not be advisable, as it could lead to more entanglement and cause damage to the drive system or the fouling material itself.