Drive shaft retaining ring - what is it?

[1970_mgb]

For my 200 Sportster LE the parts list shows a retaining ring at the very rear of the drive shaft PN 204 120 132. After stripping out the shaft I cannot find this part. Also the repair manual makes no mention of it but it shows in the diagram unlabelled.Its part 18 in the attachment
What is this and how does it install ?

Thanks

 

[1970_mgb]

Answer to my own question

Found out from a Seadoo mechanic today its a retaining ring for the shaft protector. Same colour - light blue plastic. Hard to guess that from the parts diagram. Mine was still there after all floating around on the totally chewed up shaft protector.

 

[rmorefield3778]

Shaft protector

Can boat be used with a cracked shaft protector? A tow rope wrapped around mine and slightly damaged it.

 

[Jared]

yup. I completly removed mine.