Apparently it does not help keep the propshaft in the drive though.

Griff likes that post^^ ok yeah , I`m a horrible dude and you can laugh all you want at my misfortune.. it`s cool
I`m getting out of boating , won`t have to put up with me too much longer buddy

I am going to miss your avatars.

Wow, what a great solution, will definitely look in to them.

The reason I asked about the weak point was that I thought of re-fabricating that particular part in a higher grade material. If the top shaft always failed then get it remade in T-Met 25, a higher grade stainless. Not cheap but cheaper than changing drives. I'm guessing that Mercury use a med/high quality so higher would be possible.
Any thoughts? Totally stupid idea?
Thanks