Thank You Sir!!!

Hmm, I figured it was a tube with a thread insert welded in but if that's a solid bar you're in easy money territory.

Have a machine shop shorten and rethread it. You could saw it to length fairly easily, but it will leave a rough finish and I doubt the threads will be deep enough. This is one of those sucky DIY propositions that's cake if you have the tools but much cheaper to sub-out if you don't.

I'd literally charge you a 12 pack for that, it's a 15 minute job. Call around, you can probably find someone willing to do it at lunch for minimal fun tickets if you're polite and patient.

NICE! I obviously type too slow.

take it to a machine shop with a 12 pack, 15 minute job. make sure they can cut the threads (may not have a reverse tap) so the end they trim may matter. The problem with working on stainless at home is that it work hardens so you have to go slow with good tools and keep it cool.

Thanks for all of the responses. Marc Berman, our friend and long time industry and website supporter has offered to take this on for me.

You guys can count on Marc to have any thing Mercury Marine sells as well as a depth of knowledge unsurpassed by anyone in this industry.

http://www.mercruiserparts.com/

http://www.bammarine.com/BAMProductsServices.aspx