Bought a used 2012 Skeeter ZX21 with a 250 SHO. Second fishing trip we went to Caddo Lake and I clipped a stump and bent the prop shaft. Murphy's Law, right? I've never bent a prop shaft in 20 years of boat ownership. So I guess it was my time....

I took the boat to Diamond Sports Marine to have it fixed on December, 11th. Called today to check on the progress and was told that all the parts were in but the prop shaft. Was told it's on back order until January, 8th. Noting I can do because the parts have already been ordered and it can't be cancelled.

I'm about an hour and 45 minutes away from the dealer, so now I need to leave the boat sitting out in the weather (cover is on, but still not preferred) or go get it and take it back.

Frustrating for sure. Maybe a lesson not to buy an outboard motor produced in another country? Or, typical with boat parts?

Next time something like this happens, I will have the dealer order the parts and make sure they are in before dragging the boat all the way there and leaving it outside for a month. Lesson Learned.

Leave them the lower unit and take the boat home.


Its pretty typical with certain boat parts, dealerships can't inventory everything for every motor.

That won't be your last bent prop shaft on the Yamaha. They are known well for it.

"Next time something like this happens, I will have the dealer order the parts and make sure they are in before dragging the boat all the way there and leaving it outside for a month."

That's the ticket! Also might want to check first with shops that are premier Yamaha dealers.

I took mine to Service Marine in Emory, Chuck & Perry straightened it for around 200 bucks 4-yrs ago, had me back on the water in less than 3-days..justsay'n

Had to have a new lower unit on mine about a month ago. Dropped it off at Premier Yamaha is Jasper (used to Dawson's) on Monday and the boat was ready within a week. That included a little down time to insurance claim. They had a brand new lower unit in stock though.

Build a relationship with a dealer and stick with them. They will take care of you if they know you.

That's Great information. Thanks for sharing.

I doubt its a dealership issue. If there are no parts in the system there simply are no parts in the system. I have waited on parts with any brand engine I have had a time or two. It happens.
Its that time of year where production at manufacturers and their subcontractors slows down. I know DMS would rather have him back on the water and get another boat in the shop in its place to repair making money as opposed to pissing off a customer and making him wait longer than he has to. They just fix them and they don't make the parts for them.

Like has been said before have them take the lower unit off and bring the boat home until they get the parts

I have had several ( 3 to be exact ) in the last 2.5 years. All my fault, however all were ultimately due to low lake levels that brought the underwater object I hit into play. Low lake levels also have more to due with part allocation I believe. More of us are in the repair line these days as mentioned above.

Each time I was fortunate to find a shaft in stock but only one. Rockwall Marine does a great job keeping parts on the shelf and I'm sure other dealers do as well. As soon as they pulled the shaft out of inventory for me John placed an order for another one. I have learned a good rule of thumb is to call ahead or find a dealer with parts in stock. It cuts down on the frustration level.

That seems to be a ongoing excuse at DSM...I am not sure what is going on over there but the service has really dropped over the last year.

I replaced my own on a ox66 and had the parts in a couple of days from Sims Yamaha. If you're worried about the boat, agree with the other post to leave the lower unit and go get the boat. Putting it back on is no big deal and might save a couple of bucks. If the impeller hasn't been replaced, you might as well do that while you have it off.

I have had the exact opposite expereience this year. Have had 3 different situations where they got me up and running within a couple of hours so I could get back on the water. Each time they charged me normal rates and did not price gouge me. I have ordered stuff from them and always in within the timeframe they say. I have come to really trust them and rely on them when I am at the lake. Not a knock on any other shop just saying DSM has went above and beyond for me even though my boat was bought elsewhere.

Call John at rockwall marine and he will have you fixed up in no time.

Not to mention that its the holidays and the absolute worst time to have anything shipped in a hurry.