correct craft coupling

I checked my hull for leaks before with the boat on the trailer and filling the hull with water up past the shaft packing. I then saw where the leaks were under the dry boat. I found my water intake fitting was leaking bad. Dont put too much water in it where it might damage something!!!

The last time I pulled my coupling, it was very difficult, but I got it. The process I used took a while, but it worked. I found four bolts that were longer than the original coupling bolts and I put them thru the coupling and the trans flange with a small socket smashed in between the prop shaft and the trans shaft. Then I tightened the four bolts and it pushed the shaft out of the coupling. It didn't come out easily, but when I got the torque on all four bolts even, it moved. I was worried that I would warp my coupling or my flange, but I checked after I reinstalled my shaft, and they were not warped. Good Luck.