Replacement Interval for Bellows in Salt Water


Alec A

Alec A

Member
My boat is 38 months old. The first year I had it in a dry stack on a fresh water river. For the last 23 months, I have been in salt water in a slip year round. Looking to schedule a haul out, B3 outdrive oil change, freshening up the bottom paint, etc. Others have suggested a 2 year interval for haul out, bottom paint, B3 drive oil, etc.

The dealer is suggesting a bellows replacement. What have been other's experience for those who boat in salt water? My bilge is completely dry. No issues so far. I am particular about maintenance so I am interested in other's advice before I schedule it for service in just over 1 month from now. I always thought bellows were every 5 years.
 
Same as fresh water . . .

I just inspect every year and replace when the bellows starts looking a bit dry/cracked/worn.

Some folks say 2 years, some say 5 years, I think you can easily get 5 years . . . may even get 10 years. A dealer/shop will probably recommend every 5 years, just so they are not running the risk of failure during the season.
 
Agree, I would be in the 5 to 7 year boot replacement for salt.

The B3 needs to be watched due to all the stainless props. The main place it starts to corrode is on the bearing carrier which is under the front prop. Only way to check is to remove the props. I would stringly suggest to have the Mercathode anode current checked. You can do it your self with a digital volt meter and the Merc probe 91-76675T1. You need a reading of 750 to 1180 mV.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/281656933829?chn=ps&dispItem=1

Have the engine alignment checked

Many have the boats bottom cleaned by haul out or scuba diver
 
I also agree but inspection is the key. At a minimum, the drive should be removed annually to inspect the u joints, grease if there is a fitting, check the gimbal bearing for water intrusion, rust, etc. clean and lubricate the coupler splines, all the normal wear and tear maintenance, check the alignment, etc. Bellows inspection especially on the Mercruiser drives will prevent the boat from sinking.
 
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