My Boat Hates Me

[PeteL]

My 2003 280 Sundancer has a new issue...
Sunday, just after getting on plane we all of the sudden lost speed, and stbd engine revs went high, alarm sounded. No odd noises, no smells etc. Engine remained running, did not overheat etc. But when I tried to put into drive or reverse, engine revs would go up, but B3 screws were not turning.
Needed to leave stbd engine running, as it provides power steering, and limped into the marina on the port engine.
I had both transom assemblies replaced last year, so outdrives and engines were both out of the boat, inspected and serviced.
From what I can guess, it is going to be an engine coupler, or something failed in the outdrive. Any guesses, or experiences with this type of failure?
We seem to have a mechanical issue almost everytime we go out...last time a water hose burst.

 

[scoflaw]

Yup, one or the other. Probably didn't get the alignment right after transom install

 

[BillK2632]

From what you describe sounds like the coupler. As I recall a BIII prop does not have a hub that can fail. If the transom assemblies were replaced, drive alignment would likely need to have been re-adjusted - an out alignment condition can destroy a coupler pretty quick.

 

[Espos4]

With the engine running, the input shaft should be spinning. Use a camera and record video if you can safely lean over the running motor without putting yourself in dangerous position.
Also, when you engage forward or reverse, do you see the shift cable pushing or pulling?

 

[b_arrington]

Your symptoms sound like what happened when my coupler failed. Except mine failed while idling through the mooring field. All fine, then the engine revved with no propulsion forward or back.

 

[PeteL]

Yes. From online research and all of your replies it sounds like the coupler. In fact, I would be OK with that, and not a lower drive failure. Boat is in the line for the shop. Once I hear, I will update. The only missing thing about coupler failure was no burnt rubber smell, or odd noises.

 

[b_arrington]

Yes. From online research and all of your replies it sounds like the coupler. In fact, I would be OK with that, and not a lower drive failure. Boat is in the line for the shop. Once I hear, I will update. The only missing thing about coupler failure was no burnt rubber smell, or odd noises.

I didn't have either a burned rubber smell or odd noises when my coupler went. I did have some rubber crumb in the engine space that I later attributed to the coupler going bad.