disintegrating "boots" for engine controls

[tejohnsrude]

My Honda 40 twins have controls coming out of transom , port and starboard via accordian "boots". These boots are only2.5 years old and are disintegrating!! It seems as though everything will need to be dissasembled in order to replace. Does anyone have any ideas on how to do this easily without having to take a day every couple of years to do this? I would thing that engineers at C-Dory could solve this problem. Am I the only one so affected?

[cbull]

They make lace up replacements.

[SeaSpray]

Mine is also totaled.

I was thinking of getting some wetsuit material cutting the cone shape I want and then wrapping it around the lines and gluing the edges together with wetsuit sealer. It is flexible enough to screw the bottom to the bulkhead with the same plastic ring. Then a covering of sunbrella should keep it in good shape for a long time.

What do you think?

Steve

[Valkyrie]

Definitely go with a split, lace-up or jury-rigged boot of some kind. If buying a regular boot, cut and install it and then glue the cut together. The neoprene sounds like a winner.

I had mine replaced with a regular boot by some local guys that I have used in the past and trust. However, they had to disconnect a bunch of stuff and when they reconnected the throttle linkage, they used a wrong connection point and when I put on the muffs and fired it up, it would idle at 2000 rpm instead of about 950. They corrected it with little trouble, but I'm glad I checked it out at home instead of finding out on our Erie Canal trip where we have to keep it at idle speed.

Nick
"Valkyrie"

[breausaw]

I noticed my single control boot (less then two years old) was just about trash, with cracks all around. Squeezed on some GOOP and its almost as good as new, amazing stuff. It dries clear on the black rubber so you can’t hardly tell its there.
Get it at a Home Depot Marine near you.

[hardee]

I replaced my (slightly over) 2 year old boot this spring. West Marine has a split replacement. Took some trimming on the small end of the cone, and then some wire ties and black electrical tape. I do like the idea of some sunbrella over that to prevent the UV rot.

Harvey
SleepyC

[breausaw]

To prevent rubber from rotting away, give it good douse of spray silicon every now and than. For that matter, use spray silicon on all rubber gaskets and seals to prevent them from cracking or deteriorating; works better then vinyl sprays like Armor All and wont leave a sticky film that attracts dust.

[hardee]

Thanks for that tip. Sounds like a silicone spray bath is due for all the tubing from the boot to the OB's.

Harvey
SleepyC

[Nan-C]

The boot on our year old, low,low hours boat was falling apart. We were able to get it replaced under warranty at Wefings. Jef -- at Wefings -- indicated that the factory is aware of the problem and may act on it at some point.

Regards to all,

Greg

[thataway]

For protection of the Vinly or rubber, I would suggest 303 for vinly. I have had excellent service from this on all manner of plastics. Basicly the UV rays harden and damage the "Plasticizers" in the material. If you give it UV protection, they will last much longer.

[tejohnsrude]

Thanks everyone--- really great response to my cry for help. You truly are treasures and I thank you

Ted

[Alyssa Jean]

The boots that C-Dory uses are made by Sea Dog. Cat # 521655. You can order them from Fisheries Supply their part number is 29059. They are $6.59.

I am going to order a couple and try splitting on one side, reinstall it with the slit down and see what kind of glue will bond it back together.

[Minnow]

This is the one I used.
http://www.outdoorsuperstore.com/product.asp?prod=456187&456187

It's a split boot that overlaps, but doesn't actually seal at the split. I guess you could glue it if you felt the need.
The size and screw hole locations are the same as OEM.