Mercruiser serpentine belt

[QBhoy]

Guys
How often are we realistically replacing serpentine belt ?
I'm aware what the manual says, but surely condition monitoring would suffice here ?
Interested to know what others have found and do.
Thanks

 

[bspeth]

I replace belts when the grooves start cracking

 

[Scotvl]

I just replaced mine on our 99 crownline 225 because the boat came with a new extra belt when we bought it 3 years ago but it honestly didn't need it the 18 year old belt I took off looked and felt great.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... With any serpentine belt, ya bend it over, ribs out, 'n look for crackin' in the ribs,...

 

[H20Rat]

Usually when it breaks... I think I've had one break in 30 years of boating. I do keep a spare on board though.

 

[QBhoy]

Thanks guys...
Noticed a bit of fine black rubber around the engine bay recently. Thinking it may be time to replace. No cracks yet thoigh.

 

[Scotvl]

That sounds like one of the pulleys is off a bit or the belt is to tight but a new belt may be all you need.