Honda Four Stroke 130

Question
Hi Ron,We were boating yesterday & struck rocks with Honda Four Stroke 130.Boat is 21 feet. Bent the shaft.Will it damage the boat using it this way?Boat seems to run fine.Is it expensive to replace shaft if I we have to replace? Thanks

Answer
Hi Kathy...Thank you for selecting the undersigned to reply to your question.

DO NOT OPERATE THE ENGINE any longer than it takes to get to a marine repair facility. No doubt the prop is bent, as is the prop shaft. Operating in a damaged condition adds to the ultimate cost of repairs, because it creates a chain reaction for other problems to occur, such as more damage to gears, bearings, etc. Also, there may be water in the lower unit, which will make the oil look milky, and that needs to be corrected before corrosion of parts takes place.

As far as cost is concerned, heaven only knows what else requires replacement until the lower unit is dismantled. Right now, it's a guessing game, so choose a qualified and reliable marine mechanic to do the repairs, which could range from $1000 to $2500, and if the lower housing is fractured and requires replacement, then you could be in for about $3500 overall. No insurance?

Safe Boating
Ron