Dear everyone,<br /><br />I'm new to this forum, but there seem to be some awfully knowledgeable people here. I hope this isn't a dumb question.<br /><br />I've got a 1973 Starcraft Islander with a Mercruiser 195 powerplant and the original outdrive. I believe the bellows leak. How difficut is it to change these? The dealsership said it would cost 175 for the new bellows plus 300-500 labor. They also said a special tool was required to remove the outdrive. <br /><br />I met a guy at the lake while float testing it on Saturday who said the parts are 100 bucks, and that he would perform the labor for 125.00. He had been drinking but I asked him and he said that no special tool was required for changing the bellows. <br /><br />Exactly how hard is this job and who should I trust? Both the mechanic at the dealership and the guy I talked to seemed reputable, but only the guy at the lake actually saw my boat. <br /><br />Obviously I'd rather pay 225 than 5-7 hundred. What do you guys say?<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Trent
<br /><br />Also, is there anything else I should check out when I have the outdrive off?<br /><br />Thanks very very much,<br />Trent