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August 2017 12 Find Us On Facebook at Boating On The Hudson
BOAT TALKWITH
Alex Salomatoff.
Alex
Salomatoff
If you have a question for Master Mechanic and Owner of Alex’s
Marine Plus in New Windsor, NY, simply call Alex at 845-565-9199
or e-mail,
Alex’s Marine Plus
2907 Rte 9W Suite 200,
NewWindsor, NY 12553
(845) 565-9199
alexsmarineplus.com
If you own a boat with an outdrive boat sooner or later
you’re going to have a leak through the outdrive!
Question: The other day I went down to the marina ad low and behold my
boat was not floating in the slip, only oil sheen on the water and the Bimini
sticking out of the water. The rest of the boat was being held up by the ropes
tied to the cleats on both sides of the boat.
After they pulled the boat up I found out that the boot on the outdrive was the
culprit. What can I do to prevent this from happening?
Alex: outdrive boots are the number one reason boats equipped with them
sink. The smart thing to do is to write with an indelible pencil near the outdrive
when the last time the boot was replaced. If it is a new boat write the date down
as well.
Mercruiser Alpha 1 outdrive kit
The boot or what is called the bellows should be replaced at first sign of them
drying out or getting brittle. You should check them at least twice a year by
getting your hand in there and squeezing them and feeling the texture for
dryness. I’ve seen them changed every other year and I’ve seen them not
needed for 10 years. I will say it will save you money if you do it when you
should do other maintenance items like changing shift cables, having U-Joints
and/or couplers replaced, and any other outdrive service. There could be as
many as three different bellows or boots on your stern drive. Check them all
carefully.
Question: I bought a new battery for my boat, went through the trouble in
installing it and it still will not crank over.
Answer: Ha, the first thing we do when we have this problem brought to our
attention is check the cranking power of the battery. Even though it is a fully
charged new battery the system on your boat may require certain “cranking
amps”. To little amps and the battery
will not work because it is not specific to
your boats electrical system. Look at the
requirements of your boat and what the
manufacturer recommends it is critical to
an enjoyable, trouble free summer.
Cranking amps are the numbers of
amperes a lead-acid battery at 32 degrees
F (0 degrees C) can deliver for 30 seconds
and maintain at least 1.2 volts per cell (7.2
volts for a 12 volt battery). In other words,
CA/cranking amps determine how much
power you have to start your car in most
climates.
Mercruiser Alpha 1 outdrive kit