Can lower billow be replaced with drive on

[1973Chieftain]

Good evening! My boat was repowered two summers ago by a shop, used about 5 hours, then stored away for almost 2 years as I went from a man to being a dad twice in that time period. Great times, now looking to get the boat back into the water so my girls can start boating young. The lower billow on the Alpha 1 has cracked, the upper looks good. Now I can see the hose clamps holding it on, but all the videos and posts I've seen have mentioned removing the drive first. As I only need to replace the one, can it be done with the drive on? I've never done it, but unless there are hidden fasteners, it looks like I can get the clamps off. Thanks for any advice!

 

[stonyloam]

If the exhaust bellows is cracked, don't worry about it, the exaust passage is full of water (engine cooling water) and seawater anyway. All it does is direct the exhaust out of the outdrive. It does indicate that it is probably time to change the driveshaft and shift cable bellows in the off season.

 

[alldodge]

Agree, but I would say your on borrowed time for the drive bellow. Might fail next year, might fail next week.

 

[thumpar]

I agree with the others. If one went the others are probably due. For the exhaust you could go with a tube but it will be louder than bellows.

 

[1973Chieftain]

Thank you gentlemen! I'll keep an eye on it and replace it this fall