Cracking OMC transom seal - brand new!

[superbenk]

I installed a brand new transom seal (boot) just last fall & after only 4-5 runs of the boat this spring it's already developing cracks. This seems like a pretty serious problem and something I'm not very excited about throwing $100+ at every couple of months. Do other people have these same issues? Is there anything I can put on my existing boot to make it last awhile longer (preferably through the season)? I was thinking some kind of silicon spread into the cracks might add some integrity to it and keep it together a bit longer. What do you all think?

I'm also noticing a crease in the fold in the exact same place the old boot was creased (see the first picture attached). I haven't done specific measurements, but the engine doesn't seem to be mounted off-center at all. Is there anything else that could cause this?

 

[NW Redneck]

Re: Cracking OMC transom seal - brand new!

Not really sure what is causing your problems. I'm on my third year with my new boot and it still looks fine. The old one I took off was the ORIGINAL form 1975 and didn't have any cracks/leaks in it. I repaced it more for peace of mind but probably could have left it on for a few more years.

Did you put the boot on right way up? The boot should be marked TOP moulded into the rubber. Installing it upside down could cause it to stretch/crease in the wrong places. Just a thought.

 

[superbenk]

Re: Cracking OMC transom seal - brand new!

Did you put the boot on right way up? The boot should be marked TOP moulded into the rubber. Installing it upside down could cause it to stretch/crease in the wrong places. Just a thought.

I'm concerned about that as well. There was no 'TOP' or 'BOTTOM' written on the boot I got. There was an arrow that I installed pointing up & I noted the model number printed on the boot is right side up. Other than that, I'm not sure it's right side up.

I'd really like to just patch it up so it can last for the season if possible and then replace it in the fall. Not sure if there's anything out there that will bond well to the rubber as a patch. So far the cracks aren't through the boot so I don't have any leaks... yet.

 

[Don S]

Re: Cracking OMC transom seal - brand new!

Wasn't a Mallory bellows was it. Just had the same thing happen to a customers Alpha I bellows. All of them. Less than a year old and came apart at the creases.

 

[WizeOne]

Re: Cracking OMC transom seal - brand new!

What brand is it? There are still 'oem' versions of those boots. I've heard some bad reports of other brand aftermarket boots.

 

[superbenk]

Re: Cracking OMC transom seal - brand new!

I believe it was a Sierra boot. I bought it online from my local boat store:

http://www.marinersdirect.com/highway/details.php?ITEM=8182768

 

[superbenk]

Re: Cracking OMC transom seal - brand new!

Hrm... Looks like Sierra offers a lifetime warranty on it's transom seals:

http://www.go2marine.com/product.do?no=157910F

I'll have to send them a letter or give them a call.

 

[superbenk]

Re: Cracking OMC transom seal - brand new!

I put some indoor/outdoor black silicon caulk on the spots that are cracking and it seems to be adhering quite well. My goal is to get 1) through vacation next week & 2) through the season, if possible. The boot still needs replacing, but I'm hoping this solution will buy me some time.

 

[Dustin0330]

Re: Cracking OMC transom seal - brand new!

Do you guys put anything on your boots to keep them from drying and cracking? I only use my boat once or twice a month and it's stored outdoors so any tips to help preserve mine would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Nivekt]

Re: Cracking OMC transom seal - brand new!

Do you guys put anything on your boots to keep them from drying and cracking? I only use my boat once or twice a month and it's stored outdoors so any tips to help preserve mine would be greatly appreciated.

I too would like to know if there are any preventative measures for drying and cracking. I just ordered a new transom seal for my boat and do not want to have to replace it again any time soon.

 

[superbenk]

Re: Cracking OMC transom seal - brand new!

Standard indoor/outdoor silicon calk doesn't do squat. It started peeling off after the first day in the water this week while we're on vacation.

Funny story... this evening, my wife & I took the boat out for awhile & about 7-8 miles from home I looked at the outdrive & transom while under way. What I saw looked like a shredded boot just under the tilt gear box! We were doing 15-20mph, so I told my wife DO NOT STOP! I thought for sure we had blown a hole in the boot and started to panic. After a few moments, I looked closer & remembered the silicon calk I had put on there and realized it was just peeling away and that's what I saw. WHEW!!!

Anyhow, the cracks aren't severe (yet), so we're fine for the week and probably the season, but that was enough to give me a good scare, that's for sure!

 

[cooter2506]

Re: Cracking OMC transom seal - brand new!

Personally I wouldnt take a boat out that has a crack in the boot. Way too much risk. Contact sierra and get a repalcement and see how they recommend to install it.

 

[thannah84]

Re: Cracking OMC transom seal - brand new!

I am on my second season with my boot as well....Mine, as stated above, has a top and bottom marking on it. Mine looks brand new like it was installed last week. I don't know the brand because I had the mechanic install it while changing ball gears so?

 

[Nivekt]

Re: Cracking OMC transom seal - brand new!

Standard indoor/outdoor silicon calk doesn't do squat. It started peeling off after the first day in the water this week while we're on vacation.

Funny story... this evening, my wife & I took the boat out for awhile & about 7-8 miles from home I looked at the outdrive & transom while under way. What I saw looked like a shredded boot just under the tilt gear box! We were doing 15-20mph, so I told my wife DO NOT STOP! I thought for sure we had blown a hole in the boot and started to panic. After a few moments, I looked closer & remembered the silicon calk I had put on there and realized it was just peeling away and that's what I saw. WHEW!!!

Anyhow, the cracks aren't severe (yet), so we're fine for the week and probably the season, but that was enough to give me a good scare, that's for sure!

I wouldnt risk it. The boots are so cheap and if you can replace it yourself, you should be able to get it all done for about $70 or so.