Abstract: A boat drive mechanism is constructed of an engine mounted in the boat; a propeller; a drive shaft having a front end connected to the engine and a rear end extending through the exterior of the transom; a propeller shaft having a rear end connected to the propeller and a front end, with the propeller shaft being moveable between a lowered position and a raised position; and a universal joint connecting the drive shaft rear end to the propeller shaft front end and spaced from the rear of the transom, the universal joint being the sole thrust connection between the drive shaft and the propeller shaft. A propeller tube surrounds at least a part of the propeller shaft. The propeller tube and shaft are raised and lowered by a first hydraulic cylinder pivotally connected to the propeller tube and the transom above the drive shaft.