Holes in drive shaft boot?

[ddnewb]

I'm a newbie to boating. I just recently bought a 1988 Four Winns 180 Horizon with an Alpha One 4.3L Sterndrive. Wasn't until I got it home that I noticed there were some perforations on one side of the bellow around the driveshaft. They look like they were manufactured that way. The holes were consistently and cleanly sliced from top to the bottom and maybe big enough to stick a finger through. It looks too clean to be wear and tear. I called the previous owner and he claimed it was manufactured that way.

I've looked around for replacement boots and I haven't seen any pictures with these perforations in it. Is this guy telling the truth or should I be afraid to put this thing in the water?

Thanks,

DD

 

[r.j.dawg]

Re: Holes in drive shaft boot?

No way I would be putting that boat in the water. Chances are it would sink. Those bellows have got to be water tight.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Holes in drive shaft boot?

You're looking at the exhaust boot

 

[DAN M VAGOS]

Re: Holes in drive shaft boot?

I dont know much about the boots but I do know just like the axle on your car they split almost like they should be split but they are not supposed to be its just the way the rubber brakes.

 

[ddnewb]

Re: Holes in drive shaft boot?

You're looking at the exhaust boot

I'll double check that. In that case it would be okay?

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Holes in drive shaft boot?

I'll double check that. In that case it would be okay?

Yes, that is the way it is supposed to be. Unless you have the drive off then there is pretty much no way that you are looking at the driveshaft bellows.

 

[ddnewb]

Re: Holes in drive shaft boot?

I dont know much about the boots but I do know just like the axle on your car they split almost like they should be split but they are not supposed to be its just the way the rubber brakes.

Right, and I know what a worn boot would look like even if it's been rubbing on something, but the cuts are so clean. The cut is flat too, as if someone took the bellow off, compressed it and had a small chunk precisely chopped off the side. That's why the answer for this isn't so obvious to me.

 

[ddnewb]

Re: Holes in drive shaft boot?

Yes, that is the way it is supposed to be. Unless you have the drive off then there is pretty much no way that you are looking at the driveshaft bellows.

You're right, I just stuck my finger in it and it's hollow. Thanks for the help!