Bellows Batteries and other things that age

hancoveguy · 03-06-2010, 09:26 AM

I am looking forward to reading the forum's answer to Chaos' question. I also want to add some additional questions that someone may be able to answer as well. I just bought a boat that has been in the racks for roughly 3 years. Assuming it was properly put away what should I have checked and should I just have certain items replaced as a preventative measure ie bellows, gimbel, u joints etc.

thanks for the info, didn't mean to hijack or derail the thread,

Dave R · 03-06-2010, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hancoveguy

I am looking forward to reading the forum's answer to Chaos' question. I also want to add some additional questions that someone may be able to answer as well. I just bought a boat that has been in the racks for roughly 3 years. Assuming it was properly put away what should I have checked and should I just have certain items replaced as a preventative measure ie bellows, gimbel, u joints etc.

thanks for the info, didn't mean to hijack or derail the thread,

Pull the drive(s) and check the alignment; then inspect the bellows, shift cable(s), U-joints, coupler(s), and gimbal bearing(s). Replace only stuff that requires it. Drain oil from the drive(s) and look for water. Pressure test the drive(s). Check for excessive steering play (the drive(s) should not move much from side to side). Have the engine(s) and drive(s) serviced (standard annual service) and check for water in the engine oil. Check compression. If that all checks out, sea trial the boat extensively and make sure everything works. Assuming that goes well, check for water in the engine oil and drive oil again.

It would be worth paying a mechanic to do this work if you are not comfortable with it.

BroadHopper · 03-06-2010, 10:30 AM

If you store your drives all the way down, you should be OK. I've had two stern drives for years without any trouble when I follow the above rule. I did have the shift cable boot replace.
Both stern drives were use with over 300 hours on the clock when bought. I sold the first one with over 700 hours with no problems. The present boat has 400 hours on it. Runs awesome.
My secret is to have a reputable mechanic survey the boat. Any item caught below the mechanic's standard is pointed out and the seller usually correct this.
My mechanic is Thom Perry at Dave's Motorboat Shop. He is the best. Give him a call.

03-06-2010, 09:26 AM	#1
hancoveguy Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 276 Thanks: 95 Thanked 65 Times in 30 Posts	supplemental question I am looking forward to reading the forum's answer to Chaos' question. I also want to add some additional questions that someone may be able to answer as well. I just bought a boat that has been in the racks for roughly 3 years. Assuming it was properly put away what should I have checked and should I just have certain items replaced as a preventative measure ie bellows, gimbel, u joints etc. thanks for the info, didn't mean to hijack or derail the thread,

03-06-2010, 10:30 AM	#3
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,600 Thanks: 3,237 Thanked 1,113 Times in 799 Posts	Bellows. If you store your drives all the way down, you should be OK. I've had two stern drives for years without any trouble when I follow the above rule. I did have the shift cable boot replace. Both stern drives were use with over 300 hours on the clock when bought. I sold the first one with over 700 hours with no problems. The present boat has 400 hours on it. Runs awesome. My secret is to have a reputable mechanic survey the boat. Any item caught below the mechanic's standard is pointed out and the seller usually correct this. My mechanic is Thom Perry at Dave's Motorboat Shop. He is the best. Give him a call. __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.