Re: Can I run my boat with a torn exhaust bellow?
In this instance, and in any instance, which involves a new to boating skipper, advice to follow recommended maintenence procedures....to wit: changing the torn up bellows would be a good thing.
To tell this new skipper "it's ok, just do it" sets up a potential pattern for disregarding repairs/maintenence items as they surface because someone on the internet told them "just do it"
I am pretty confident that everyone can agree on that.
If you look at what the OP asked, his questions were answered, and correctly
Can I put it in the lake and run it?
Or as I back it into the lake water will rush into the bellow and Hydro lock the motor?
He can put it in and run it, and he will NOT get water in his motor. No one is trying to get him to form lackadaisical habits.
I agree 100% on maintenance, BUT providing him bad info and scaring him serves him no purpose either, right?
Many bellows have holes in the bottom anyway. And they are filled with water from your exhaust too. If you follow your exhaust flow, you'll see it's no different having water run into the center of your prop, vs water coming in at the bellows.
I will admit I had a hard time wrapping my head around it myself, but like I said earlier, I have an exhaust tube, it is only connected at the transom side, not connected to the drive at all, and if the drive is up, it isn't touching at all. When I stop to anchor, my drive is up, and there are no issues.
To sum it up, maintenance is paramount! It's a good idea to get a manual and follow it's recommendations.
Here's a pic of an exhaust tube, like I have on my boat,