Cracked Gimbal Ring

[II Lucky]

Well we had a great trip over the 4th for the Blues fest in Downtown Portland and headed to the Snake River Canyon in Mid July. The Second day out I broke my shift cable. I was stuck in Fwd so rather than spend a couple of days in Boise and wasting our vacation I just learned how to dock with no N or R. No problem and had a great week. When we returned I took the boat down to have the shift cable replaced and a Broken Gimbal ring was found. I don't think they are related because I did pull the shift cable and found it frayed on the drive end. I am sure the Gimbal was fine prior to the 4th because I detailed the boat and serviced the outdrive. I am thinking that maybe the gimbal cracked with the drive hanging and bouncing for the 900 mile trip to Hells Canyon and back. What do you think? We are hoping to get the boat back by the end of next week. Pretty much wipes out our summer budget. I am hoping for some good weather in September.

[SomeSailor]

That's not good news Bryan for sure. Might be time to call your insurance agent. If you possibly struck something, that would be grounds for a claim. Gimbal ring assy's are not cheap either. You'd wanna change the gimbal bearing and seal while in there. Plus... while you have the gimbal ring off, I'd recommend switching to a stainless swivel shaft. That'll assure you don't get have to deal with that later on too.

As far as parts... here's where I bought mine. (they have high perf stainless gimbal rings too)

HILL MARINE (http://www.hillmarine.net/Gimble-Prats-s/31.htm?gclid=COCN3LLozqoCFWcbQgodezPc1Q)

[Getaway]

Sorry to hear about your mechanical problems. I bought a pair of (I can't remember the exact name of this product) hard plastic pieces that go over your outdrive exposed hydrolic shafts when the outdrive is in the up position. You put these parts on the shafts then lower the outdrive until it touches these. This takes the pressure off of your shafts and the hydrolic system while you're on the road and your boat bounces around. I purchased these from R&M Marine 17280 Boones Ferry Rd Lake Oswego. Take the Boones Ferry exit from I5. Take a right and about a mile or two R&M Marine will be on your right. I paid $18.00 for these. These are manufacture specific. I have a Volvo outdrive.