In re-reading my post;
Perhaps the term "engagement nut" is incorrect. There is no engagement, as
in a locking situation. Even at full pressure from the winch handle
tightening the nut, there is still only friction binding the two surfaces
and reducing slippage.

However in my situation with the OEM disc, the anchor/chain would free fall
once I powered down until the anchor was off the bow roller. Now I have to
power down to near water depth (~40 ft).

There is no opportunity, in ordinary use, to have the surfaces polish or
smooth themselves. In order to power down, I have to tighten the clutch so
the motor shaft is engaged thru the warping drum to the gypsy.

I've even considered putting a little grease on the disc surface to
encourage some slippage. If it doesn't work, I can always clean it off with
brake cleaner/solvent. (I did this on the rust pitted winch clutches and
brakes on my 50 yr old mobile crane. My seem radical, but it works fine for
my purposes.)

Steve
s/v Good Intentions