Exhaust Bellows

[utadventure]

Boat: 1968 Hydroswift 16.5 ft, Mercruiser 120, 4 cyl, PreAlpha Merc outdrive

I bought this boat last year and had the gimbal bearing, shift cables replaced along with all of the bellows.

I winterized the boat (so I thought). This year before using the boat for the first time, I was checking it out and found that the exhaust bellows was torn apart. I replaced it - PITA.

Question- did the exhaust bellows come apart over the winter because it was stored with the drive in the up position? Should I expect to replace this each year? Should I go to the exhaust tube?

Dave

 

[DavidInWilmNC]

Re: Exhaust Bellows

I was always told to store the drive down. Supposedly, this reduces 'strain' on the bellows and tilt/trim system and helps prevent rain water from accumulating in the lower unit and freezing (and possibly cracking something).