I Damaged My Boat - Need Advice/Help

If Im not mistaken the early Martiniques only had a single tracking fin- the 2nd gen SN had 2. While everything is apart, I would check the remaining underwater gear (fin, strut) for straightness. If bent, get them fixed while everything is apart.

The theory that the shaft worked its way out and caused all this sure sounds plausable. I would pay very special attention to the alignment when you put it back together. If you can, eliminate that spacer under the strut. As I mentioned before, I would go with a used rudder (or even a prop) but a new shaft and coupler is a wise idea.

Like has been mentioned, that small fin is the speedo pickup. Ive got the same one on my '71 Skier. If there is no HIN on the upper right side of the transom, then poke around the bilge- there may be a plate with a serial number affixed to a stringer. Either that, or there is a serial number on the capacity plate by the throttle. Thats the only thing I have on my Skier, and Correct Craft was able to pull the records and confirm the year.

The small fin is the same speedo pickup on my 78. I would agree, earlier than 78 model. See if the hin # is on the upper rt hand corner of transom on the outside.

Jeff, I'm with Chris on this one. From the pictures I see it looks like you suffered no gel damage to the boat. The drive shaft and prop have departed the boat in tact only taking the rudder with it. Get your scuba gear and retrieve the missing parts and you'll have some more clues as to what happened.
Looks like the second tracking fin has been dressed up to next to the point of it isn't doing you any good if that is what it is. Is that factory or someone else's idea of a torque fix? Maybe someone who knows more about this particular year can chime in and tell you what it is. TRBenj?

Guy's would the spacer under the strut be a previous owners attempt at getting the tranny couplers to align? Could that have caused a sress point in the driveshaft causing it to depart the boat?

Alright. I'll save up the money for the replacements and see how they do. Thanks for the help, guys.

Air206 - I haven't loosened the nut, just removed the seat and took pictures.

SNobsessed - Sorry I didn't mention this earlier, but the boat isn't insured. I had it listed at non-operable since I was chasing electrical issues and dealing with a leaky car, so sadly I can't claim my insurance on this one.

My guess is that the rudder had been straightened once before & was work hardened right at the break point. Just took 1 more hit for it to let go. It looks like the shaft came out of the coupler- shouldn't do that but it probably saved your tranny. Possible the shaft came loose, had no safety collar, then took the rudder with it when it went out the stern.

PS, stick with the log hit when talking to the insurance adjuster!

Chris,
I've never seen a spacer under the strut before. Makes you wonder if it came from the factory that way due to a drilling/position error??

It sure looks like it could be a '73- its definitely not a '78. Post a picture of the HIN.

I cant see any damage to the shaft log from that picture... thats how the bottom of the boat is supposed to look. What does it look like on the bilge side?

whats with the spacer block under the strut? did they actually do that some years?

I'm guessing the propshaft was already weak. Hitting the log was just enough umph to snap it off, and then the prop and shaft took out the rudder.

Looks like an old school speedo pickup to me as well.

BKH

Looking at the picture I'm amazed. Maybe some of the other guys can chime in. How is it he broke the rudder without any apparent damage to the base?

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w42/Bang4URBuck/SANY0327.jpg

Here's the main picture. The rest are still uploading.

As you can see, the rudder shaft broke off almost flush with the bottom of the hull. The strut is still very securely attached. I am going to try to pull the rear seat, tank, inspection board, etc this evening to make sure the shaft log and rudder port are alright.

Jeff,
These guys on here are real good. I just wanted to make a comment, I feel your pain.. That damb log messed your *************** all up... I hope you get her fixed..

strange about the shaft going to the bottom, did it actually broke in half meaning theres still half of it attached to the trans coupler?

to this point I think pictures will help a lot.

so i guess the trans is OK, you ripped its tail off, it was a little more than a speed bump

I swear I will stop with the multiple posts.

Is there a place where I can find information for my boat? I have no idea about the following:

Driveshaft length
Propeller type, size, etc
Rudder type, size, etc

I'm also interested in learning about the type of transmission my boat has. I have searched the forums, but am having trouble finding exact information for my '78 Martinique, w/ the 255hp 351W

I understand the benefit of maintaining originality, but in this case, I don't think a non-original driveshaft, propeller, or rudder will detract too much from the boats heritage. And to boot, I don't have the $$$ to fork out for a new brass rudder, prop, or driveshaft. If I can find used original parts for a good price, I will go that route.

I have a diver going to the lake to retrieve my prop, broken rudder, and driveshaft. It would be nice if some of it were salvageable, but I'm not keeping my hopes up.

Pictures are going to have to wait until tomorrow. I spoke with Boat Dr (Billy) today, and they feel confident that they will be able to find me a rudder.

Guys, I want to submit a sincere, heartfelt thank you for your encouragement and advice. I have spent a good portion of this last week submersing myself in this forum, picking my way through months of threads, and have come to the realization that I think I have discovered a new passion. There is something about Correct Crafts that I can't put into words. Much like old motorcycles and putting Chevy V8's into things they don't belong, I find myself naturally drawn to this boat.

After long thought, I have decided that I am going to put forth however much time and money it takes to restore this boat to like-new condition. It will most likely have to wait until after this next season, but come first sign of rain post-summer, I'm gonna tear this thing up and give it the attention it deserves. I'm not even going to ask it you guys will be there to offer encouragement and advice, because I can already tell you will, judging by what I've read.