I am putting new engines in my 47 Fountain with a tripple engine application. I got the boat with no engines or drives. This driveshaft came in it. I have been looking at merc's drives shafts and they dont look like this one. This one seems to be adjustable or something but I cannot figure out how. Anyone recognize this part? The photo is the engine end the other end is just normal with the U joints welded to the end of the big tube like merc shows.

Ray, that is a slip joint. There must be some provision for a change in length caused by expansion or flexing of the hull.

Also, if you take that joint apart, be sure and line up the crosses on the joints, or you will go to vibro city.

If your looking to get another one or have that one fixed for some reason....any good local drive shaft place can make or fix it for ya.

That also happens to look like the setup i had made by a local guy here in IL for my 79 Balzer when i installed a 8" lift and 44" tires!

I am just trying to figure this application out. So the shaft is designed to slide a little. This must make the engine placement not so critical.

Do you think this is a weak design? The merc book shows a solid Drive shaft.

Brownie: Thanks for the tip I wont pull it apart for sure!

Dont worry about the slipshaft. You're going to blow everything else before the shaft goes. Just be sure to lube the U joints and carrier bearings regularly.
Gary