Will your boat sink if the bellows does not get replaced?

Answer 1

depends on how long they go without getting replaced and other factors. on a average used boat there is a lifespan on bellows and they will begin to let water on eventually. whether is sinks or not probably depends on how fast you can get the boat back to shore when you realize your taking on water.

Usually, there are two main bellows, and the shift cable boot. The upper bellows, which encases the u-joint and gimble bearing must be protected from water. If there is a hole in this bellows hose, you need to immediately replace it and check for water contamination. This can be achieved by inspecting the grease and seeing if it has become milky. A majority of the time, if water has got into the upper bellows, you will need to replace the gimble bearing, and upper gear housing seals, etc. Replace the upper bellows hose every two years as part of a maintenance program.

As for the exhaust bellows hose, this is not as important as the upper bellows. The exhaust will run from the engine out through this hose and out the lower drive unit. This is usually full of water anyhow, water that is used to cool the engine exhaust and therefore if there are small holes in the exhaust bellows you should be fine. Many people worry that water will back up into the engine and hydrolock it, but this does not occur. Many boats are used without an exhaust bellows.

The cable boot will sink a boat if it has a hole in it.

Ensure you have an adequate pump to remove water at all times you are boating.

Good luck