I'm new to the mm world, last duck season a buddy took me on his mudboat with a 27hp pd all season and I had so fun I had to get my own. I now have a 32hp vanguard prodrive... probably an '06 from the plate on the lu.
The guy before me had a new clutch installed just a few hours before I got it. The first 3 hours or so that i ran it went great. I was about 2 miles from the boat ramp and then a horrible sound started coming from just under the clutch. I made it back to the ramp ok but it sounds just like a bearing going out to me although I am not 100% positive. Has anyone ever experienced this b4? The metal housing just below the clutch vibrates a lot more than normal and it's only when the clutch is engaged. It does it at any rpm.

If like to know as well. Just bought a 32 prodrive and the lower unit makes a strange noise but still runs like a champ

Its most likely the top bearing.

Owen I'm pretty sure you worked on my motor. I bought sky busters boat. How hard is it to replace that bearing?

Ive never personally replaced a bearing. You need to pull the power head and drop the foot first. You could send just the top end to Pro-Drive if you wanted and have them fix it. That L/U also had some pretty good noise coming from the gear box. Possibly a chipped tooth on the gear. If thats the case, then you will have to buy a new lower unit.

Well that's not what I wanted to hear but oh well I guess

Just call pd and talk to them. My upper bearing went bad and was able to fix it without buying a new lower unit. When my bearing went out it sounded like it was eating itself. Maybe you will get lucky. They can help ya figure it out. They're good ppl.

If its the original 06 LU than more than likely its the top bearing, There were issues with the gear oil delivery system to the top bearing on the 06-07 when the oil level got to low. Since then they have made the top bearing grease filled.

It was the upper bearing, I bought the bearing and the guy I bought it from had his mechanic help us install it. We used a hoist which made pulling the powerhead a breeze. Had to pack the bearing really good before installing as peck stated. And went back together really easily.