So we decided to go out for a short day of boating. Put into the Hudson
River
at the Ramp in Hudson NY. Headed North for about an hour and stopped
at what turned out to be a private marina. A boat owner there told us there
was a decent restaurant about another 20 to 30 minutes upriver, so we went.

When we get to the restaurant/marina I'm driving. I circle around about 4
times
deciding where the best place to dock is. A guy on the dock notices my
circling and pobably thinks I'm worried about docking. So as I approach
a the finger pier of my choice he's there waiting to help us. Nice.

I have a good approach and am coming in at just about the right angle
and speed. I decided to give it just a little reverse thrust to slow things
down. A moment later I decided we're just a liiiiite to far from the dock
and I'd like to give it a jab forward to kick the bow a little closer. So
I put it in gear - but feel no thrust in the boat. I give a little more gas
and do it again. Still no thrust.

By now we've floated gently close enough, a rope is thrown to the
gentleman on the dock, and my brother get off the stern and ties us
up.

At this point only I really know anything is wrong. I open the engine
cover and my Dad says, "Hey, there's quite a lot of water coming in
there. More then ususal."

Turns out the prop shaft has come loose from it's coupling to the engine
and has dropped down stem-log tube!!

A moments thought and we realize the water coming in is not really
that much and the pumps will be able to keep up easily for a long time.
We stuff a sock into the hole anyway to slow the flow.

Next I realize someone will have to go into that cold water to figure
out if the shaft is anywhere to be found. I get into a bathing suit and
lower myself in. Some people on another boat are, I'm told later, looking
at my like I'm crazy.

Turns out the shaft & prop is still there. I forgot, but the shaft can't
slide past the rudder with the prop on it. I push a few times on the shaft
but is doesn't appear inside the hull. Then my brother reminds me that
it's keyed and I should slowly turn it while pushing. Sure enought after
about a 1/4 turn is slides in.

We tightend up the three set screws and gave it a little test but something
doesn't seem quite right. We loosen the screws and run it in FORWARD
to put more pressure on the prop & shaft. After all, I was only pushing it
in there while in the water with nothing to hold to. Now we tighten up
the set-screws and it seems much better.

Drove her the 1.5 hours back South with no problems.

(Oh, somewhere in there - after the swim but before the set-screw tests -
we had a nice lunch.)

Overall a good fun day of boating with a litle story, a lesson learned
(Keep those set screws tight) and no serious problems.

See Ya,
Gary