A method and apparatus for limiting the torque from an engine to the drive train of a watercraft. A torque limiting clutch is mounted to the flywheel of the engine. The output of the clutch is connected to the drive train of the watercraft. The clutch allows all of the engine's torque to be delivered to the drive train during normal conditions and less than all of the engine's torque to be delivered to the drive train during conditions in which the drive train experiences periods of excessive force. When normal conditions return, the apparatus automatically delivers all of the engine's torque to the drive train.