A marine drive unit (1) includes a lower propeller torpedo housing (9) of generally cylindrical configuration having a longitudinal centerline (19). A propeller shaft (17) is mounted in the housing for rotation on an axis (20) offset from the centerline. The shaft is journalled in a forward bearing assembly (18) which is held in place by a support (25) adjustably mounted to the housing and on the offset axis. A nose (30) is removably secured to the forward housing end by a mounting bolt (40) which extends into the support on the offset axis. A single multi-purpose opening or port (34) in the forward end of the nose communicates to an interior entry passage (35) in the nose. The entry passage in turn merges into a pair of passage branches (36,37). One branch (36) is disposed on the offset propeller shaft axis and receives the mounting bolt. The other branch (37) is positioned to communicate with the cooling water passages (21-23) in the lower unit, and which lead to the marine drive engine (4). A torque retention and sealing member (42) is disposed between the support and the nose. Furthermore, a torque retention and sealing member (44) is disposed between the bolt head and the inner end of its passage branch.