A coupling device is provided with two flanges and a resilient annular member disposed between facing surfaces of the flanges. The resilient annular member is provided with a central opening through which a metallic spring is disposed to exert a resistive force against compression of the resilient annular member between the two flanges. The device is particularly well suited for use in a marine propulsion system because of the propulsive force exerted on the shaft system by the propeller. In one particularly preferred arrangement, each of the two flanges is provided with three holes, and the resilient annular member is provided with six holes. The two flanges are offset rotationally to place each of the holes of one flange in alignment with an interstitial space between the holes of the other flange.