Bravo 3 has rubber boot cover - what is it?

[badrano]

I noticed this rubber boot thingy covering what would normally be one of the nuts securing the outdrive to the bell housing. Take the boot off and there is no nut.

How do you loosen that thing up?

 

[alldodge]

That is a McGard drive lock nut, and look in the glove box for the key. If its not there contact McGard or it needs to be cut off

https://www.amazon.com/McGard-74018-Marine-Single-Thread/dp/B0016H3Q7A

 

[GA_Boater]

If you don't find the key, drive a screwdriver between the outer sheath and the goofy hut inside. Clamp a pair of vise grips on the outer sheath and unscrew it. The Torx screw may need to be removed.

The screwdriver and vise grip trick works on prop lock, too.

 

[badrano]

That is a McGard drive lock nut, and look in the glove box for the key. If its not there contact McGard or it needs to be cut off

https://www.amazon.com/McGard-74018-Marine-Single-Thread/dp/B0016H3Q7A

Looking at the Amazon page, are all the keys the same? Meaning buying the whole kit to just get the key.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Looking at the Amazon page, are all the keys the same? Meaning buying the whole kit to just get the key.

no, there are about 50 different keys for security reasons. only Yugo had one key for all their locks they ever made

 

[badrano]

no, there are about 50 different keys for security reasons. only Yugo had one key for all their locks they ever made

Ok. So I'll have to try what GA_Boater suggested or cut it off. If I have to cut it off, how do you do that? Are you just cutting the nut or the stud and have to replace the stud?

 

[alldodge]

Would have to cut the outer collar, but first.... Have you looked in the glove box or asked the person/dealer you bought it from?

 

[GA_Boater]

If you have to cut it off, don't cut the stud. Cut and bend the sheath until you can grab the funky nut with vise grips. Remove the Torx screw on the tab first, it looks like it may be a security Torx with the little nipple. I haven't seen that screwed down tab on McGards, it may be a different brand that simply stops the use of a socket with the sheath blocking access.

 

[3rdtimesthecharm]

I took a picture of mine and sent it to McGard. They sent me another key.

 

[badrano]

Would have to cut the outer collar, but first.... Have you looked in the glove box or asked the person/dealer you bought it from?

I checked everything that was given to us when I bought the boat as well as the glove box....no key. The broker has no idea either. I'll call McGard and see what they can do.

 

[GA_Boater]

Since you have a drive guard, does the prop have one?

 

[badrano]

I took a picture of mine and sent it to McGard. They sent me another key.

Called McGard and sent them a pic. They're sending a key that should be a match, otherwise we may have to play musical keys...sending one, trying it, return it if it doesn't work(I pay the return shipping costs), send another one. If it doesn't pan out after a couple tries, I guess its getting cut off.

 

[badrano]

Since you have a drive guard, does the prop have one?

Don't takes this personally.....I despise you :mmph:

In all seriousness, thank you for asking that question. I guess I'm call McGard again. :facepalm:

 

[GA_Boater]

:rofl:

Just thought I'd ask so when you went to grease prop splines you wouldn't make a lump on your forehead. :doh:

 

[badrano]

:rofl:

Just thought I'd ask so when you went to grease prop splines you wouldn't make a lump on your forehead. :doh:

The fun of a new boat.....need to buy all those "special" tools
1. McGard key for the sterndrive
2. McGard key for the prop
3. Inner prop nut socket

Good thing I have some left over cash from selling the old boat :laugh:

 

[alldodge]

Once you get the locks off toss them in the trash or sell them to another person you don't like or don't know

Me I would rap with vice grips and then take a cutting wheel and get rid of it

 

[GA_Boater]

How many times have we had guys pop in about those things because prior owners lose the keys? Which begs the question - How did the PO maintain the drive or the rest of the boat?

 

[alldodge]

How many times have we had guys pop in about those things because prior owners lose the keys? Which begs the question - How did the PO maintain the drive or the rest of the boat?

Yup :thumb: