Gearleg

A gearleg is the lower drive assembly of an outboard or sterndrive engine that transfers power from the engine to the propeller. It typically contains the vertical driveshaft, gear set, propeller shaft, seals, bearings and cooling-water passages, all housed in the submerged leg below the powerhead or transom drive.

For boaters, the gearleg is critical to propulsion, steering response and reliability under way. Damage from grounding, fishing line around the prop shaft, low gear oil, failed seals or corrosion can quickly affect Motoring, increase Fuel Consumption, and compromise a Powerboat in confined water or offshore conditions.

Routine checks include inspecting gear oil for water contamination, replacing seals as required, clearing marine growth, and maintaining the correct sacrificial Anode. When planning a coastal run, use PredictWind forecasts, wave data and routing tools alongside sound mechanical checks so the drive system is ready for the conditions expected.