A powerboat was returning to its slip at a marina.  A boat owner in a adjoining slip was in his diving gear preparing to remove his own propeller.  As the boat limped toward her slip the owner saw the man in his diving gear and asked if he would mind taking a look at his boat because he was noticing severe vibration.  So the diver went below and found the bearing was so wasted it had come completely free from the strut.  The bearing had slid back and was resting next to the propeller.  The vibration the owner felt was propeller shaft wearing into the strut.  The owner was now faced with hauling and blocking his boat in a yard to undergo extensive repairs that could include, in addition to a new bearing, a new propeller shaft, strut and re-alignment.

This situation could have been avoided if the boat owner had his own Strut Pro® tool.  At the first sign of vibration, inspection would have discovered the worn strut  bearing.  A diver could have easily made the replacement, thus preventing the excessive costs the owner is now facing.  Also, since the damage was a result of a worn part, it is unlikely his insurance would cover the costs.