Cracked Drive Shaft (photo included)

[89supracomp]

Last time I had my boat out, I noticed it had a vibration issue. I visually inspected the prop and it looked fine so i decided it must be the strut bushings. Ordered new bushings, pulled prop and there it was, a crack in the drive shaft almost all the way around.

I didn't remember ever hitting anything, but decided to go ahead and take the prop to the prop shop and have it checked. He said it was fine. Looking at the crack, you can tell it has been there for a while, it just recently got bad enough to cause a vibration issue.

My question is, what are my options? A new drive shaft is over $300 bucks. Has anyone ever had a driveshaft made or repaired or am I gonna have to just bite the bullet and order a new shaft?

[wotan2525]

Very strange! Your prop shop can't fix it? I would bet a machine shop can.

[89supracomp]

I don't know? I will make some phone calls tomorrow.

[cadunkle]

A good shop might be able to weld that and machine it true. Personally I'd spend the couple hundred bucks for a new shaft and have peace of mind.

[docdrs]

I would put a new shaft in. It will cost a lot more if the repair fails you could lose your prop mess up your rudder damage your fibrglass. Did you check your alignment?

[jet]

DO NOT USE THAT SHAFT! ITS DONE. If you use it, It will crack and drop off into the water and then your out a prop also, $300+$300=$600!! I had my shaft crack and the prop fell of..NOT FUN. The shaft had a hair line crack in that you could not see and I lost both. You can take your demisions and shop around to NON-BOAT places and get it made cheaper. I think my last shaft cost me $125?? A place that makes axles might make one for you. Jet

[Memmer99]

I have a new shaft sitting in my garage I'll sell you for 200. Let me know if you're interested.

[jet]

DING..DING..DING..Can you say "JUMP ON IT"!! And thank you for playing today. lol

[wotan2525]

DO NOT USE THAT SHAFT! ITS DONE. If you use it, It will crack and drop off into the water and then your out a prop also, $300+$300=$600!! I had my shaft crack and the prop fell of..NOT FUN. The shaft had a hair line crack in that you could not see and I lost both. You can take your demisions and shop around to NON-BOAT places and get it made cheaper. I think my last shaft cost me $125?? A place that makes axles might make one for you. Jet

Meh -- if they can repair a crankshaft to new, they can easily repair a prop shaft.

[89supracomp]

I have a new shaft sitting in my garage I'll sell you for 200. Let me know if you're interested.

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