1989 Four Winns Freedom 160 with OMC outdrive is leaking badly

[jtrom]

So we launched the boat after sitting for 8 years and water starts gushing into bilge. Engine NOT running. We pull the boat back out on the trailer and start filling the bilge with water to chase the leak. When the water line in the bilge is an inch below the oil pan we get the leak shown in the picture, lots of water coming from bottom of outdrive where it meets the transom just above the drain plug. Boat and trailer were fairly level when we performed the test and also the transom is solid (no rot).
What's my next move??

 

[JimS123]

The bellows are leaking, or the transom is rotten. Both are big jobs to replace (unless you know how) and lots of $$.

You need to look closer to see where the water is coming out.

 

[Scott Danforth]

you have been pulling the drive every year for an annual inspection of the alignment, bellows, gimbal bearing and the u-joints, so the bellows job shouldnt be too bad...... unless you havent been doing the annual inspection.

 

[Scott Danforth]

and also the transom is solid (no rot).
What's my next move??

also.....how do you know your 31 year old boat is free from rot? the knock test doesnt work.

test drilling does

alternatively.....you can have your heaviest friend (preferably over 250#) jump up and down on the outdrive while you feel for movement between the transom shield and the transom. there should be none

 

[JimS123]

alternatively.....you can have your heaviest friend (preferably over 250#) jump up and down on the outdrive while you feel for movement between the transom shield and the transom. there should be none

Now that really stirred the hair on the back of my head. I have never had a rotten boat, and don't expect to have one in the future, but if I do......what can I do? I have no fat friends.......LOL.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Jim, I'm only 200 lbs however I will grab a couple of cases of beer jump on it for you if you need

 

[JimS123]

Jim, I'm only 200 lbs however I will grab a couple of cases of beer jump on it for you if you need

Thanks for the offer, but I have no rot in any of my 6 boats and all perform 100% as expected.

Maybe the OP could profit from your help...

 

[TunaFish389]

What kind of mad man pulls their drive every year! I did mine this winter and expect it to last. Is this an omc thing?

New bellow kit and might as well change your gimbal bearing while your in there. A new bell housing seal (think that what it's called), this looks like where it's leaking. If it's like a Mercuiser plan on changing shift cable also. Should be solid after that.

 

[Scott Danforth]

What kind of mad man pulls their drive every year! .

one that follows the maintenance schedule published by the drive manufacturer. Every 100 hours or annually.....which ever occures first

 

[kpg7121]

So we launched the boat after sitting for 8 years and water starts gushing into bilge. Engine NOT running. We pull the boat back out on the trailer and start filling the bilge with water to chase the leak. When the water line in the bilge is an inch below the oil pan we get the leak shown in the picture, lots of water coming from bottom of outdrive where it meets the transom just above the drain plug. Boat and trailer were fairly level when we performed the test and also the transom is solid (no rot).
What's my next move??

Unless you had that boat sealed up from the elements for the past 8 years you can rest assured that the transom is probably shot. Get in the bilge & take core samples with a drill bit & look for rot. If water comes out or if you find soft wood the transom is gone. Taking core samples is the only way to find out for sure. They usually rot from the bottom up. Just don't drill thru the outer skin. If the transom is shot the repairs will cost more then the boat is worth. You have a 30 yr. old boat with an obsolete drive. You may luck out but don't count on it.