Replacing the wear ring in a 2005 Sportster LE

[Joeinvb]

I was on the water this past weekend and was going about 45 mph and imeadiately lost thrust. I figured I sucked up a stick or something else was stuck in my housing causing the boat to cavitate. I was able to ride it back to the dock going about 30 mph at WOT. Got it home and sure enoulf there was a large rubber object lodged in my impeller housing. I finally got it out and it looks like my wear ring fouled out and was shredded to pieces. I have a few questions I could use some help with.

1. What could of caused this?
2. How expensive is this to fix?
3. Is it easy enough to fix myself?
4. Can I operate the boat with out it?
5. What is the wear rings purpose?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Dr Honda]

1) previous damage

2 & 3) there is a sticky on changing your wear ring in the General section

4) Yes... if you want to only go 30 mph

5) It is a sacrificial part so you don't destroy a $300 impeller. (An OEM part is $45, and an aftermarket is $35)

 

[Joeinvb]

I cant beleave how easy that was to replace. The dealership wanted to charge me for 3 hours of labor plus parts and it only took me one hour to do myself. About $50 later in back in the water.