It probably sheared from hitting a submerged log. (Shears the pin but the prop usually doesn't show damage) I'm betting that's your problem. Under a light load the prop was holding fast on the shaft, but under a heavy load, with the pin sheared, the shaft was spinning inside the prop, mimicing the forward gear popping out. Fix the pin before the shaft is damaged, put her in the water and enjoy the sweet ride. :beer:

I hope thats it.....I put a new pin in yesterday, but wont get to test it out til next Wednesday.

Hey Randlemanboater..how'd you make out on Wed? Did she jump out of gear or was it the prop? :head:

Well....I actually just got back from the lake.....we had a very good day, 30 fish total, around 20 were bass.

The good news.....the shear pin fixed the gear problem......best $1.50 I've spent.

The bad news.....I have a fuel problem.....the motor will start up, get up on plane, and then bog down like it ran out of gas and cut off.....if I choke it as its dying, it starts going again.

Any ideas?

I firgure either dirty carb or needs a fuel pump.

Could be a very slight air leak in the fuel lines...check all the hoses connections, camps, etc....and the fuel vent....

A lesson learned here for all. Most people do not realize the amount of torque that the prop shaft is subjected to. Unlike a car's drivetrain where the torque can vary, depending on terrain, the force required to turn a prop through the water is constant and increases the faster you go. Anytime you get a condition where it feels like the engine is jumping out of forward gear check your prop before tearing your lower housing apart. Chances are it's just a bad hub (or a sheared shear pin) causing the problems. Glad you hit the home run on the prop Randle. :clap::clap::clap:

Well I've done extensive research.......ok I Googled it.....and from what I can gather, the main jet in the carb is likely stopped up.....hope it is that easy.