how important is keeping the exhaust boot sealtight?

[pocoloco]

Have a Merc 4.3L with Alpha One Gen II.

I did work on the outdrive and replaced the driveshaft boot. What bummer to replace...
I had to remove and install the ECHAUST boot. The drive end of the boot was difficult to tie to the outdrive lower unit and I have found that it came off. Since the boot leads to an open water cavity anyway, how important is it to keep this boot watertight where it attaches to the transom and drive? The manual reads to apply glue to the boot, which I though would help waterseal it... What are your thoughts?

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: how important is keeping the exhaust boot sealtight?

It's not so important to keep the water out because it is open to water anyway. It has to be connected though. Without being connected and the drive down it could be collapsed and restrict exhaust flow.