shifter shaft boot

[hl]

I have a mercury 50 hp SN 1C047706 with a crack in the shift shaft boot. Is the boot there to junk out or to keep water out of the gear case?

 

[Fun Times]

Is the boot in question on the lower gear housing area?

Maybe item number 15 for reference, https://www.mercruiserparts.com/bam/subassemblydetail/38985425/28190831

Was glancing around your engine parts catalog but hadn't notice a boot yet... Are you able to locate it at all in your parts guide, https://www.mercruiserparts.com/50-hp-efi-4-cyl-1c000001-thru-1c050251

 

[hl]

The boot is on the lower housing. I found a boot replacement online for about 13 dollars.

 

[hl]

The boot is on the lower housing. I found a boot replacement online for about 13 dollars.

I have checked with a mercury tech, and he said the split in the boot is supposed to be there to let water drain out. I question this because a new one appears to be solid with no split. Any advise