worn boot

[senorboat]

Hi guys i am new to this forum. Im not to sure on how this community works. I am planning on buying a 1984 galaxie and i was told by the owner that all that needs replacing is the boot for the outdrive. Would anybody know were i can purchase this part. I have been on google looking for the part but havent had any luck.

 

[Bob's Garage]

Re: worn boot

The "boot" is located between the lower unit and the gimbal.

However, based on your question, I would submit that you lack the experience and knowledge to replace this item. This would be a difficult repair for an experienced boater without proper tools and ability. You will need to take it to a qualified marine mechanic.

Get advise from local boaters as to who you can trust to do the work.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: worn boot

all that needs replacing is the boot for the outdrive.

If the boat has been run with bad bellows you could be looking at a lot more than just replacing the bellows, Ujoints, gimble bearing, possibly water intrusion into the outdrive. I would have this inspected at a local boat shop before buying the boat, could be a very expensive repair.

The Ujoint bellows is usually replaced as a kit, exhaust bellows, shift cable bellows, water hose.



Oh yeah, what type of drive is it, Mercruiser, Volvo, OMC?

 

[DBreskin]

Re: worn boot

For clarity, what you're referring to as the boot is normally called the bellows. I replaced mine by myself without any prior knowledge of boat mechanics; I have experience with car repair and bought a service manual for my boat. YMMV.

 

[45Auto]

Re: worn boot

If the owner is saying the bellows needs to be replaced, this is a BIG WARNING that the bellows is probably leaking and has possibly damaged u-joints, input shaft, gimbal bearing, outdrive seals, and possibly the outdrive itself.

The bellows should be replaced about every 5 years as preventive maintenance. Waiting till it starts leaking is a huge risk. As others have said, get someone who knows what they are doing to look at it before you buy a boat that could easily need several thousand dollars in repairs.

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: worn boot

I'd agree - at a minimum, have a survey performed by a knowledgable mechanic. Or, keep looking - not sure about where you are, but around here you can spit with out hitting a used boat for sale right now. Tis the season!

 

[superbenk]

Re: worn boot

Is everyone certain he doesn't mean the OMC transom seal on a Stringer which is often called a "boot"? I don't see any mention of the brand or model of drive. Maybe it was made clear in another thread I missed.

 

[superbenk]

Re: worn boot

If he's talking about an OMC Stringer, he should walk away for other reasons than just potentially broken hardware.

 

[rwidman]

Re: worn boot

The "boot" is located between the lower unit and the gimbal.

However, based on your question, I would submit that you lack the experience and knowledge to replace this item. This would be a difficult repair for an experienced boater without proper tools and ability. You will need to take it to a qualified marine mechanic.

I'm with Bob on this 100%. This is not a good "first repair job" for an inexperienced mechanic. And as others have pointed out, there may be some damage to other parts as well.

 

[senorboat]

Re: worn boot

Thank you guys for your advice a really appreciate it.. just to make sure were talking about the same part its the rubber that keeps the water from going into the engine

 

[superbenk]

Re: worn boot

Thank you guys for your advice a really appreciate it.. just to make sure were talking about the same part its the rubber that keeps the water from going into the engine

That doesn't really tell me anything - the bellows around the drive shaft/u-joints does that, but so does the transom seal around a Stringer drive.

I guess since everyone else here is talking about the bellows, they know something I don't know so I'll agree with them

 

[bruceb58]

Re: worn boot

Why not tell us what drive this boat has? Without it we can't help you.

 

[senorboat]

Re: worn boot

I called the guy and he told me It's a omc and it the transom seal... he told me it is slightly ripped

 

[superbenk]

Re: worn boot

I called the guy and he told me It's a omc and it the transom seal... he told me it is slightly ripped

While a slightly ripped transom seal may be ok, it could also be a sign of very bad things. That seal fills in the gap between the drive & the transom, so when it leaks, it leaks a lot! His boat may have been underwater or severely water-logged by that "slight rip".

Regardless, it's an obsolete & antiquated drive made by a company that has been out of business for over 12 years. I have one. Walk away & go look for a Mercruiser or Volvo unless you are very mechanically inclined, have money to play with & aren't afraid of being in the position of not finding critical parts when things break.

The black rubber "boot" around my drive is what he's talking about having a rip in it (ignore the red box around the name plate):

 

[senorboat]

Re: worn boot

That's it

 

[fishrdan]

Re: worn boot

Regardless, it's an obsolete & antiquated drive made by a company that has been out of business for over 12 years..... Walk away & go look for a Mercruiser or Volvo.................

Yup