Lost Prop AND part of shaft

So I was safety boat today, right in the middle of the show, with the ballerinas ready to come off the far dock, and the glider having a malfunction. Just as I touch reverse to hold position, I hear a "thunk" and I have no propulsion. I have to call on the radio that I am dead in the water, and I have to be drug out of the way. Muy embarriasso.
Anyway, I get it out of the water, and see this:

]shaft 1[/URL]



Sigh. It was running pretty good. So, anybody got a good deal on a new shaft for a 75 SN? Was the Acme 542 too much for the shaft??? I will defiantly be getting a new 542!
Tom

That really sux. I feel your pain. From the "glass is half-full" perspective, this gives you a good excuse to put in new strut bearings...

FWIW, Sebastian (aka "kapla") in Buenos Aires had a similar issue:

http://www.correctcraftfan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=35715&KW=&title=prop-gone-to-the-bottom-of-the-river-and-back

8122pbrainard wrote: Todd, I have thrown a blade off a prop but never lost one but both aren't a good feeling. Sorry to hear about the loss. From the picture, I can see a couple things. From the shaft not centered in the cutlass, it looks like there is an alignment problem. The keyway is chewed so the prop has been running on the shaft loose for some time. The prop to shaft contact area also looks like the prop wasn't lapped to the shaft. No, the 542 is not too much for the boat. I'd look more towards install and PM. I suggest an ARE shaft.

Dang it! The last thing I want to hear is that its my fault!.............However, you are right on all counts. I do not think I lapped the prop correctly and it went on so well (and the old one came off so easy) I just tightened her down and went on to other problems. I do not think I ever checked it after the install. I used a nylock instead of a castle nut. I am sure you are right about it being loose based on the pictures. So it looks like a new prop, A.R.E shaft, and cutlass bearing. I am fine with the old style packing, should I consider the gland type?
Tom

I'm afraid of the nylock. Had a brand new one back off to just one thread showing after an hour run in the '93. There's a used prop shaft that came up on the forum yesterday I believe.

Not sure I would spend much money on a 35 year old shaft. Also since you say the old shaft came out pretty easy I'm guessing the fit in the coupler is shot. I would pony up for the ARE and do it. Once and done.    And it sure is worth trying to find that 542 if you have access I some tanks.

81nautique wrote: Not sure I would spend much money on a 35 year old shaft. Also since you say the old shaft came out pretty easy I'm guessing the fit in the coupler is shot. I would pony up for the ARE and do it. Once and done.    And it sure is worth trying to find that 542 if you have access I some tanks.

That is what I am thinking as well. After a bunch of research, it looks like the A.R.E shaft is the way to go.
I am going to get the new prop as well because someone already took a chunk out of my 542 by hitting a ramp cable. I will dive for the old one, but it will go to the shop and be a spare if I find it.
Tom

sorry, thunk. way different. that could have been a manatee in which case at least you get a snack

I almost took a peek today, but we started practice early. The new prop is already in the garage with the bearing, packing and nyloc. Just waiting for the shaft to show up Monday. I took this time out to chase down a fuel dip tube problem and got educated on vent lines.

phatsat67 wrote: I have been using the same nylock for darn near 6 years or so with multiple prop changes and it's never backed off. With everything new it will be all buttery smooth like it's supposed to be.

When I knew the prop was gone, but did not know the shaft broke, I was cursing my choice of using the nylock. When I pulled my boat, and saw the shaft, I realized I was cursing the wrong thing!
Tom