Gene Kearns wrote:
On Mon, 20 Aug 2007 12:58:38 -0400, Reginald P. Smithers III penned
the following well considered thoughts to the readers of rec.boats:

All of this talk about low transoms and cut out transoms, being the
number one reason for outboard motors sinking, made me think about the
number one reason I/O engines sink is due to a failure rubber outdrive boot.

I check the boot annually and whenever I go in the water, but has anyone
seen a recommended life on a I/O. Seaworthy Magazine recommends
changing them every 5 years, but does this include fresh water boats?

My boat is 7 years old, and the boot seems as pliable w/o any visible
cracks what so ever, but I am feeling it might be time to change the
sucker.

Changing it is probably some pretty cheap insurance. Cracks usually
form in the creases, which are not all that easy to asses correctly.

You probably need to inspect every three months and replace at least
every 5 years.... sort of like the cooling impeller.... you don't want
to wait until it *needs* repair to fix it!


I think you are correct. Has anyone changed the outdrive boot and is it
a DIY'er job or one best left to the pro's.