Rubber boot between I/O

[GoodBouy]

i recently bought a boat without doing research. Listened to the seller when he told me it'd be cheap and easy. I now question that.
The rubber boot/seal between the outboard drive and inboard motor has deteriorated to the point you can fit your entire hand through it in multiple places. It needs replaced. I believe the outboard drive needs removed and a new seal put back on.

I work way to much to be able to take on a huge project. I'm also mechanically declined. I would like to take it to a shop, but I cannot find a shop in Orange County, Cali.
Is this something I should do myself? Or does anyone know of a shop?

 

[Scott Danforth]

Do it yourself. Depending on the year of your out drive, you may be able to replace the stringer boot without removing the drive. I did on my '85

 

[GoodBouy]

It's an 86 galaxie 17' open bow

 

[GoodBouy]

I learned its called the transom seal and they cost about $150. The question now is how do I figure out what part number it is? I have no manual

 

[superbenk]

I think you should be able to find them for ~$100 & it's a pretty easy job to do. I'd recommend taking the drive off so you don't run the risk of tearing your new boot trying to work it over the drive. You'll want to be *VERY* careful with the shifter cable if you do remove the drive as they are quite expensive to replace & hard to find (>$600). Pay close attention to how the cable is configured in the shift converter box at the top rear of the engine when you take it apart (you'll have to) and make sure you don't cross the cables when you put it back together. A little silicon spray can help with sliding the shift cable out & back in again through the intermediate housing. I'd recommend you replace the impeller in the drive while you have it off as well (a whole kit including a new housing runs around $60). Also grease the pivot trunions when you get it all back together (there's zerks hidden under the rubber stop bumpers on each side of the drive).