Peter, the shafts on most of the Ericsons were 3/4 stainless. If it is stainless it can probably be peen straightened. I have straightened quite a few over the years.
I left the boat in the slip while doing so. First get a short piece of "shaft" or a 3/4" diameter aluminum or even plastic. The shaft can be pulled right out the back and the short piece inserted into the log to plug the leak. With the shaft in hand it could be an easy decision on straightening or replacing.
If it is a bronze shaft I would not attempt to straighten just replace it.
Dave Neptune
