Drive problem

Question
I had a problem the last time I had my 19 ft Bayliner with a 3.0 Mercruiser Alpha. I was pulling a person on a tube and lost propulsion and the engine ran away like their was a disconnect between the engine and drive. I was in a weedy lake and checked if I had weeds and their was nothing. I put the boat in forward drive and started moving but as I increased the engine the same thing happened, I did this one more time and the same results. I was close enough to the marina that I could get underway at low speed and got back ready to trailer. Just before I put it on the trailer, I engaged the propeller and the engine spins it. Is there an adjustment or something broken?

Answer
Hi Jeffrey...Thank you for selecting the undersigned to reply to your question. You didn't mention what did or did not occurr while in reverse gear.

I'm not a mechanic but, did you check to ensure the propeller was properly secured to the prop shaft or that the centre hub of the propeller didn't break loose and spin? This could account for prop slippage and/or over-revving of engine. One more thought. It's possible that the clutch isn't properly engaging, and causing the engine to rev high without any or very little prop thrust.

Best you consult a qualified and reliable marine mechanic. It may save you time and money to trouble-shoot and resolve the problem.

Safe Boating
Ron