Hey guys,
Just started my boat today for the first time. Everything seems to be running fine but I'm getting a strange clicking sound from inside the engine compartment. It is not an enternal sound, as i used a mechanics stethascope and couldnt hear anything coming grom inside the engine itself. It seems to be coming from the very back around the drive shaft, and it sounds similar to a belt or something plastic hitting against something. I know this is very vague but any suggestions or thoughts would help.

exhaust flappers?

Dry U-joint or bearing?

I agree, sounds like flappers, you sure it wasnt there last year and maybe you didnt notice it?

You could try shooting a little grease in the u joint and gimbal as suggested above also, couldnt hurt

Coil grounding out...? Or plug wire..??? Electrical click...?

I fired up mine today for the first time after some work (water pumps, intakes, carbs) and 1 engine was making a ticking noise. I was instantly thinking horrible thoughts - pistons, push rods... I found that the timing guide plate had gotten pushed down and was hitting. Bent it up and back in business. I hope your noise is just as simple, but sounds like you isolated it to the azz end.

Internal exhaust flappers. Put your hand on the tail pipe/exhaust hose near the transom and you will feel it.

Thanks for all the input, what exactly are the exhuast flappers, is that what controls my captains choice exhaust? Is there a grease fitting for the u joint and gimbal? about 85% positive it wasnt there last year.

There are flappers/diverters for the capt choice and there are also flappers in the exhaust tips to prevent water intrusion.

I had an internal flapper come apart on a previous boat. Rattled like hell, but was an easy fix.

I'm assuming you're on the trailer and running on a hose? Are your drive(s) "binding"? Are they trimmed all the way up?

Try switching the exhaust and playing with the trim and see if it changes anything.