Not motor specific but I'd consider hitting something in the water ... I
have a break away hub thingy so carry a spare one, and a spare prop ... well
ok, it's not spare, I use 23 (solo) and 21 (company along) props. And if
your outdrive is not well maintained ... well ... start at the universal and
make your way down to the prop :-)

wrote in message ...
What might be the first thing to break or shut down on the little 3.0
Mercruiser engine that would leave you stranded in the middle of a
lake? Considering it's kept well maintained and run in the 3200-3500
rpm range. Excluding fuel and battery.
Thanks,
HJJ