I have a 1985 VP AQ125A w/270 I/O that has been in storage for several years. The boat has had a lot of love and care so everything inside and out is in amazingly great condition. Upon taking it out of storage I had a marine mechanic remove any old fuel, check the I/O, tune up the engine and it runs like new on the few outings it's seen this season. However, the bellows have only been replaced once in the life of the boat when the drive bellows failed about 10 years ago resulting in need to replace internal parts (U-joints, etc.) due to water damage. The current mechanic did not say anything about the bellows and both the drive and exhaust bellows appear and feel to be in good shape - no hardening only a little surface oxidation - but I'm wondering if the bellows should be replaced as "insurance" now before give it much use. Is there a recommended replacement schedule for this item?
