Drive Shaft Removal

Yes Dan that square plug is set screw that is tightened into a small counter-bore on the shaft. It may take oxy-acetylene but it must come out.
I use some Snap on 410 parrot head pliers usually and it seems to really do the trick. You probably just need more heat. Blue can propane will never do it. MAPP, maybe.
Of course remember to watch Professor Petes alignment video and check your strut bearing.

If you are replacing the shaft then just cut it off and order an A.R.E. kit.
Good luck.

Unfortunately, I think I may have made that mistake. I got the coupling about 1/2" downward on the drive shaft. I guess I like to learn the hard way. Do you have any recommendations on getting a replacement drive shaft on a budget?

Dan,
I forgot to ask, why are you pulling the shaft? You haven't filled us in completely!

Oh God... I just threw up a little. Sorry to hear about that.

Dan - Don't know if you have insurance, but your event would have been covered. You can legally collect for parts & labor then do the work yourself (covers the deductible).

I recommend insurance, if nothing else for the liability.

Mine costs $200 per year, great pc of mind.

I had arranged for insurance, but the title transfer hadn't been completed at that point, so it wasn't yet in effect. Although I actually had it out twice (very briefly) before I wrecked it. I hindsight it was pretty funny when I crashed it. I was the last boat on the lake, in late fall MN. I went to take it out of the lake and hit the rocks. I took my first stroke with the only paddle on board and it snapped in half. I had to wait an hour and a half until a randon fisherman came by and towed me to the landing. In hind sight, I should have packed more than two beers.

Anyway, I attached a picture.

I had a whole winter to get over it and a wedding to pay for in June, but now I have some time and a little cash and am looking forward to getting her in working order.

I only pay for liability insurance as well, $100/year with Progressive. I got a quote one time from somebody and when I told them what kind of engine I had, how old it was and the length, the price was hilarious. I just have to do most major work myself or with a lot of help and hope it does not catch on fire, fall off the trailer or get stolen.

By the way, I had about half the trouble you had earlier in the summer with similiar circumstances and with everyone's help, especially Gun Driver, I just got back from a two week trip to the lake with lots of TUBING with the kids and it works fine.