Mariner Shear Pin

Hope I'm note the 1001st person to ask this question but here it is anyway:

I have mainly used older Johnson outboards but just picked up a used 5 hp 2 stroke Mariner.
I've been going over it in the garage, getting familiar with it and thought I would change the shear pin or at least get to it and reassemble. What a surprise!! No pin!
I did a little internet searching and read about the spline drive but couldn't get any good info on what this all means.
If I hit a stump or something, what breaks or gives? Do I need to carry a spare prop now instead of shear pins? (Not saying carrying a spare prop would be bad even with shear pins)
There must be some kind of built in safety feature... what is it?!

Thanks,

Ernie

Re: Mariner Shear Pin

Not sure, but larger motors have a rubber hub that is 'supposed' to give when you hit stuff....the splines hold the prop to the shaft, and the rubber hub connects that to the actual prop.


Ian

Re: Mariner Shear Pin

Thanks Ian,
That makes sense. I assume then, after a while the slip function weakens and the prop slips even when you don't want it to.
System must work though I guess, I'll just wait and see!

Ernie

Re: Mariner Shear Pin

Yeah, I'm no pro, but they have a pretty long life, unless you hit a lot of stuff....the prop on my fifty that I got is very chewed up, but the lower unit seems fine, so my guess is that it works out alright.


Ian