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Was operating my 1996 Tiara 31 Open at about 2900 RPM (18-19 MPH)  and struck an underwater object (assuming tree trunk but never saw it) on the port engine drive.   Got vibration on the port engine when running over about 1400 RMP so returned to the dock and pulled the boat.   Found some small bends in the prop blades (4 prop blade) but he shaft did not look too bad. Pulled it to have it checked and had a very difficult time getting the shaft out of the cutlass Bearing in the strut.  It looks as if the pass through on the strut has been damaged and may not be true. Has anyone every experienced damage to the strut.  I would have thought if the shaft was bent once we disconnected from the transmission it would have "easily" slid through the strut housing and bearing.  I should note the undamaged side turned relatively easy while the damaged side was very difficult to rotate even after the shaft was disconnected from the transmission.   Appreciate your experience with this.