If this don’t belong in this forum I’m sorry. I figured more Bass Fisherman would see this for it’s a bass boat. Recently I knocked a stump running around 35mph and bent my shaft. Was wondering, who all has ever replaced it themselves? I’m mechanically inclined and don’t mind doing it. I tried to find a video or pictures of it to be sure but I can’t seem to find anything. All help and advice would be much appreciated.

Have you tried this?

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=replacing+250+outboard+motor+shaft

I watched that one, not sure it’s the same? I could be wrong

Anyone? Looking for hands on experience. Was hoping to knock it out this week

I'm assuming it is the Prop Shaft, rather than the Drive Shaft, since you hit a stump or something.

Years ago, I changed out the gear set in an Evinrude 50HP that I had.

Never Again.

There are so many Specialty Tools required it will make your mind spin. Not to mention shims, bushings and seals. And some of those 4" dia. Snap Rings can be dangerous.

I never could get that lower unit to seal, and water would always leak into the gearcase. Eventually that's what did in that motor. The leaked water in the gear case froze, and cracked the casting between the exhaust and the water jacket.

I won't do it again.

Depending on how badly it is bent you may be able to straighten it without removing it from the lower unit if you have the right tools.

Do some searching on Youtube and you'll find the procedure.

I can give you my buddies Boat shop number. You can drive up to Broken Bow and he can do it on the boat.

Take it to Josh at Steve’s Custom Props in Quitman,he may be able to straighten it

I've straightened several on the boat with a bottle jack or a floor jack. They make tools to do it, but I have never used one.

I straighten one with a jack and a dial indicator. Took a couple hours but pretty easy.

I'd take it to a professional if for nothing other than peace of mind... By to time you purchase the part and tools needed you'll be way ahead financially... Dan

Carry it to Anthony at Sartin Marine. He straightened out mine not long ago,

Does straightening the shaft, once it’s bent, weaken it?

Highly recommend Sartin Marine if you are close to Fork.

Another vote for Sartin Marine.



With regard to weakening the shaft by straightening it, probably but slightly. Yams are known to have weak prop shafts. One of the first safety precautions the racers take that do heavy mods to the SHO's are swapping out the prop shafts to a Merc Fat Shaft. This is not a slam on Yams. I am a fan of both Yam & Merc.