Barnicles and bellows

[Lou C]

OK I/O guys, is there anything you can put on the bellows on an I/O boat moored in salt water to keep barnicles from growing in the bellows? I have to replace the driveshaft bellows this year because of barnicle damage and am wondering if there is anything that can be used to cut down on this problem.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Barnicles and bellows

I have done the same thing to my bellows for 12 years with no barnacles on the rubber.With o/d tilted all the way up and turned to one side I put white marine grease in each fold and between the bellows and then get my hand in there and spread it around.Then I turn the o/d the other way and repeat.I have never had a bellows fail,crack or get a barnacle where it dont belong.The grease surely extends the life of the rubber as well,without a doubt!! Charlie

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Barnicles and bellows

I'm with Charlie on this one... WHITE GREASE sprayed in there and EVERYWHERE ELSE on the OD. And its much cheaper at Walmart than the boat stores for the same thing in the spray cans

 

[Lou C]

Re: Barnicles and bellows

That's what I was thinking of, actually I thought of using the same grease you use for the gimble bearing since it will not attack the rubber. Thanx guys!