Last weekend I was out late on the water. Returning home in the dark, I hit
a submerged object [probably] a log, what ever it was -- it was hard and put
a pretty good ding in my alumunim prop. After hitting the object, the
engine seemed fine. Ran about 45 minutes at 4000 rpms when all of a sudden
the engine seems to be straining and stalls. The motor would start, but as
soon as you put in in forward or reverse -- it continued to stall.
Fortunately, I was able to get a tow back to the dock.

The next day I drain the lower end grease -- and it looked okay, refilled
with new grease. Put the ear muffs on --started the motor, put it in gear
and the damn thing runs, it doesn't stall. This evening I take the boat out
again -- starts right up and runs fine initally, then the engine/boat begins
at act like I'm pull a sea anchor -- engine seems to run okay out of gear,
but in gear it seems labored. So more than likely the lower end took some
internal damage. With the engine off and turning the prop by hand, there is
no abnormal sound or movement, no excessive play.

Any ideas? Could I have a damaged bearing, when the lower end warms up --
it begins to bind and puts a strain on the engine. There is a good stream
of water coming out of the cooling hole. I'm in the middle river area of
the Chesapeake -- any one know of a reputable mechanic?

thanks!!!
dwk