Why use a shaft saver?

[enzo thecat]

What is the purpose of a shaft saver? My genesis did not use one with the stock 4mm drive. I upgraded it to a 3/16" drive and didnt install a shaft saver. This made me this about it and every other boat I've owned has used a shaft saver. I never knew the purpose and I still dont.

Thanks

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[kwiktsi]

Prevents the shaft from falling out and getting lost should the collet come loose.

[enzo thecat]

Thanks for the reply. That makes sense. This new boat doesnt have an offset rudder, thus, no need for a shaft saver.

[jetnfast]

I was planning on using a bored out wheel collar from my airplane collection as a shaft saver, but after getting everything together there is just not enough space between the collet and the stuffing tube. I would have liked one on here since nothing is more frustrating than loosing a flex shaft, but I will just make sure the coupler is really cinched tight as an alternative.

[kwiktsi]

Thanks for the reply. That makes sense. This new boat doesnt have an offset rudder, thus, no need for a shaft saver.

Yes and no- if that shaft comes out at speed, you can easily make a mess of a nice prop when it contacts the rudder :).