I've TOTALLY had that exact same thing happen when using an upgraded prop on the Pro Boat strut for these boats...
What happened is that the shaft is only 3mm, and it's getting loaded and unloaded HARD by that surface drive setup. Go much beyond the stock prop, and it's done.
What I did to fix mine is remove the nose piece, press/drill out the original bushings, ream out the ID of the strut to be .250" (press fit), then install some Octura 3/16" ID lead-teflon bushings.
I fabbed a new nose piece with a 3/16" ID, that just butts up against the nose of the strut (doesn't press INTO it), and with a set screw that would allow it to attach to the front end of a stub shaft. I then used a Miss Geico flex cable, which has a 3/16" stub shaft, and fitted that, allowing the stub shaft to extend out the nose of the strut, and slid the nose piece over it, securing it with the set screw.
Now I have a standard 3/16" stub, supported on lead-teflon bushings. Even better... if the coupler comes lose, or the flex breaks, the stub is captured at the strut by the nose piece and I don't lose the prop.
Darin E. Jordan - Renton, WA
"Self-proclaimed skill-less leader in the hobby."
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