Cracking OMC Boot Only One year Old

[menace two]

We bought our 1984 Sea Ray 5.7L that just had a new OMC boot installed on the dealer's lot. (This is the big rubber boot.) Used it one and one half summers and just about sunk the boat when we launched in the spring last year. The boot was rotted and had large holes. Dealer said it looked about ten years old. Had a mechanic replace the boot and launched last July. Pulled the boat late October. Checked the boot this week and it is showing signs of deterioration and cracking after just half a season in the water. The boat was used very little last season. Ran only about ten miles - never on plane so very little trim used. Outdrive was coverd for winter storage. Has anyone had similar problems with new OMC boot?

 

[superbenk]

Re: Cracking OMC Boot Only One year Old

You sure it was installed correctly? I had similar problems with the boot that was on mine when I got it (free) & again a year after replacing the boot. On the 3rd boot, I discovered I had installed the previous one upside down & the original was upside down as well. 3rd one has been just fine for about 2.5 yrs now in the correct position.

If you get a new boot from Sierra, the "XXX" goes on the top & the model number goes upside down in the bottom (definitely unintuitive). It's hard to tell it's on upside down except for the weird way it folds when it's wrong.

Here's what I mean by an incorrectly installed boot - you can see the cracking I was having with the previous boots:

 

[menace two]

Re: Cracking OMC Boot Only One year Old

The first boot was installed with three XXX on the bottom. Part number N-182768 also on the bottom right side up. Two arrows at top pointing up. I will check the new boot but will bet it is installed the same. No instructions came with the new boot. Your photos look like my current boot.

 

[superbenk]

Re: Cracking OMC Boot Only One year Old

Pretty sure the arrows need to point down. I'll verify when I head out this morning and take q couple pics of the correct install. I'm betting yours is upside down.

 

[shane001k]

Re: Cracking OMC Boot Only One year Old

Did you get this fixed was the boot on upside down? I have the same issue.

 

[menace two]

Re: Cracking OMC Boot Only One year Old

Not yet. removed the boot and sent it to the supplier to see what the problem is. When I find out I will post the answer. Looks like our season is lost as it is taking a long time to get an answer.

 

[menace two]

Re: Cracking OMC Boot Only One year Old

Did you confrim arrows up or down?

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: Cracking OMC Boot Only One year Old

Many years ago, GLM had a materials issue on those boots. I had one that only served one summer and then it had a million little cracks all through the rubber and the rubber looked crystally - shiny like salt.
GLM replaced it.

 

[menace two]

Re: Cracking OMC Boot Only One year Old

No confirmation of arrows up or down. Superbenk was going to check his but have not heard back. I think the problem is bad rubber.

 

[menace two]

Re: Cracking OMC Boot Only One year Old

Sounds like this is the same issue. Hopefully we will get it replaced. Will post when we get an answer.

 

[superbenk]

Re: Cracking OMC Boot Only One year Old

Sorry, forgot to follow up. Arrows definitely down (on the Sierra boot). 'XXX' on the boot lined up with the 'TOP' stamped on the retainer ring.

 

[menace two]

Re: Cracking OMC Boot Only One year Old

Hear from our mechanic today. Supplier has replaced the boot and is paying the labour for replacement.