I'm not sure what happened. I was about to put the boat on the trailer and I lost all power. I did not hit anything and I was only idling. If you see the pictures below you'll see where the shaft is suppose to be and you see where the shaft is now. I can move it back and forth easily by pushing it and the prop does not hit the rudder but it comes very close. <BR> <BR>I'm really not sure what happened so any ideas or explanations would be great. Thanks. <BR> <BR>Where the shaft is suppose to be <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/470666.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR>Where the shaft is now, again I can slide it back and forth easily <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/470667.jpg" alt="Upload">

Anyone?

Oh and sorry its a direct drive sport nautique.

<img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/470706.jpg" alt="Upload">

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Your shaft has come loose from the coupler. Remove the bolts and check to see how it came loose

I believe it is a set screw but is it possible for the set screw to disintegrate over time to the point where it wouldn't work?

Have tried to tighten it?

I haven't done anything, I wanted to ask around and get more info before I started fooling with things.

Could be the set screw disintegrated but probably the keyway is damaged too and let go of the shaft. Single taper shaft? You will need to remove the shaft side coupler (4 nuts and bolts) and take a look at the keyway slot on the shaft.

Well we finally got the coupler apart and discovered a questionable shaft and a broken key. Since putting a new coupler on is nearly impossible without the right tools, we've decided to go with a new ARE double taper shaft and coupler system. The next question is now how do you get the rudder out? Is there an easy way or does the gas tank have to be moved? Thanks for the help. <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/472004.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/472005.jpg" alt="Upload">

Good choice on the double taper. <BR>you should be able to reach back under w/o removing the tank, or find a skinny friend who needs a pull. <BR>put a blaket or cardboard down under the rudder on the traier cause it will drop when it releases...or...you may need to jack up your boat on the trailer to release the rudder the last inch or so <BR>sometimes its eaiser to remove the tiller arm from the cable <BR>Remove safety wire on top of the smaller bolt on the top. <BR>Remove that small bolt. <BR>loosen the large brass gland nut and the rudder should drop. be prepared, not much warning and its heavy.