When do you replace the bellows? '01 Alpha One Gen 2

[Homerr]

Patient: 2001 Bayliner Capri, 215LX, Alpha One Gen 2 drive.

Been a long time since I've driven the 'ol girl and I'm going through everything, etc.
I bought this boat brand new back in 2001 and have taken extreme care of it. Always covered, properly drained, etc. It has very low hours so you might say it has some of that new 'factory smell'.. lol. Long story, but I haven't driven nearly as much as I'd like to. And now that I have time, I want to get her out.

I did a water pump last year as preventative maintenance. Figured it wouldn't hurt. Easy peezy job. The job went well. Everything looks good.

Now the big question: Although my exhaust and shift bellows looked good to my untrained eyes, I am wondering... since the bellows are all original factory parts (and 25 years old)... should I replace them?

Like we've all learned from our trailer tires: all rubber breaks down and rots even if you don't use them. My concern is the same for the bellows. I've always stored the drive DOWN and out of the sun. They look good but my expertise is engine, wiring etc. I'm nowhere near the level of Bellows Surgeon! My friend's boat sank at the dock many years ago for a failed bellows, so that's always in my mind.

I've never personally done a bellows job. It looks simple enough (despite the special tools you need) but my bad back might have a thing or two to say about it so I might just have a shop do it instead. I'd really like to assist in a bellows job before I do one solo.

BUT... (that infamous BUT)... rubber rots and you can bet your bobber it's going to fail when you're in the middle of the pond.

Ok mechanics.. tell me what would you do with your 25 year old bellows?

Thanks!

 

[Scott Danforth]

Inspect them

However at 26 years, you're well past design and service life

 

[redneck joe]

replace, shift boot as well

 

[Lou C]

Get a bright LED flashlight, tilt it all the way up & look for cracks in the rubber. You’ll probably see a lot of tiny cracks in the folds of the bellows which means it’s past its service life. I have gotten about 10 years out of each one before I see that happening. If you replace use OEM parts only. I never did a Merc Alpha but it looks like a fiddly job so give yourself time to do it. I’ve done my OMC Cobra and it’s not hard but you have to make sure to get it on the flanges correctly.

 

[alldodge]

At your age I would replace, even more so if the drive was stored in the up position

 

[racerone]

Is the boat on a trailer?-----In hot weather?----Is boat left unattended at a dock for weeks at a time?-----All factors to consider.

 

[redneck joe]

Is the boat on a trailer?-----In hot weather?----Is boat left unattended at a dock for weeks at a time?-----All factors to consider.

at 25 years there, imo, is nothing to consider other than replace.

 

[Chris1956]

I would recommend a service manual, as the replacement procedure is tricky. Mark or remember the position of the hose clamps on the bellows, as you will want to put them back the same way.

Use the bellows adhesive. A blunt tire iron is good for pushing the bellows onto it's seat.