Most people do the drive bellows, the exhaust tube, and the shifter bellows
at the same time. You can get them as a set. I find they are a pain.

"john" wrote in message
...

"Reginald P. Smithers III" wrote in message
. ..
jamesgangnc wrote:
Lots of them last well over 10 years. I would inspect periodically and
replace when it shows some signs of aging on a trailer boat. Keep the
outdrive in the down position while it is stored to increase the life of
them.

"Reginald P. Smithers III" wrote in message
. ..
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.



I have always kept the outdrive in the down position, but it stays in the
water except for an annual hauling. I think Gene's comment about it
being "cheap insurance" is appropriate. Now does anyone have any
experience changing them out?


Yes they are not too bad. You have to remove the out drive and then from
the bottom there are two large hose clamps. Because of the accordion
design, it can be a pain getting the second side on, you stretch it out
with the clamp on and then before you can tighten it down it pops off
again. If you are handy, you can probably save yourself +/- $500 for one
day of work.