Rubber Boot (Engine Well) Replacement 16' Cruiser

Gone Fishin

I am looking for a on-line source to replace the rubber boot in the engine-well that the fuel hoses run through (engines/fuel tanks).
This is on a 16' Cruiser.

Thanks for any assistance.

Minnow · Posted: Thu Feb 08, 2007 6:09 pm Post subject:

I'm also looking for a replacement. The Chinese rubber was cracked when new, and now it's really looking shabby. Re-rigging the boat just to replace the boot is out of the question.

What I was thinking was to get a replacement boot for an automotive front wheel drive constant velocity joint (CV boot).

They're available as "split boots" that can be installed around the cables and hoses, and then glued shut along the seam.

The problem is, the dealers and web sites only list applications for specific vehicles, and don't list the sizes.

Anybody work at an auto parts house that can measure the boots?

lloyds · Posted: Thu Feb 08, 2007 6:13 pm Post subject:

Maybe look at some of the sailboat mast boots. Should be able to cut one of them down.

Pete in NY · Posted: Thu Feb 08, 2007 8:06 pm Post subject:

I bought one of these http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/producte/10001/-1/10001/72672/0/0/vinyl%20boot/All_2/mode+matchallpartial/0/0: to fix the same problem. I have cut it so I would not have to undo the fuel line, engine controls, steering, etc. The holes on the flange of the replacement boot do not line up with the old disintegrated rubber boot holes. I will fill the old holes and make new ones. Hopefully the new material will stand up to the sun better than the original.
Since this is not a watertight opening anyway, as long as it sheds water it may be good enough.

Pete in NY · Posted: Thu Feb 08, 2007 8:09 pm Post subject:

The link in my previous post did not work. On the West marine site search for the THT cable boot.

Papillon · Posted: Thu Feb 08, 2007 8:18 pm Post subject:

I don't know if it has something to do with the acid rain or UV at different locations around the U.S. or the supplier of these rubber rigging boots has changed somewhere in the past few years, but mine is in very good condition and it is a lot older then the ones listed above as best as I can tell.

It is on a 1993 22 Angler which has spent most of its life in SW Florida. Now we have some pretty strong UV down here so I guess it might be the acid rain or the extreme cold in your area that takes it toll on these boots. Any other thoughts out there on this matter would be welcomed.

PS: Fix for above link:
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/producte/10001/-1/10001/72672/0/0/tht%20cable%20boot/All_2/mode+matchallpartial/0/0

Pete in NY · Posted: Thu Feb 08, 2007 8:30 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the link fix Mike. My boat came from Three Rivers Marine in your sunny state mid summer 2004. It had cracks in the boot when it arrived here in NY after just a month or two out of the factory and basking in the summer Florida sun. I think the rubber was defective but being such a small part I did not make a fuss. I hope the new one will last a bit longer.

CAVU · Posted: Thu Feb 08, 2007 9:21 pm Post subject:

Pete,
How are you going to reconnect the split edges? I need to replace mine but don't want to take all the cables loose.

Pete in NY · Posted: Thu Feb 08, 2007 9:32 pm Post subject:

Ken, I am not planning on gluing the split edges back together. I am thinking to slightly overlap the edges and then snug up the cable tie at the opening. If I am not satisfied with this or if the edges don't overlap enough, I will buy a second boot and cut out a segment that would go on the bottom and be overlapped by the first one on each side so that water would shed over the segment. It is not a water tight opening, but I would want most water to cascade off of the boot into the splashwell.

CAVU · Posted: Thu Feb 08, 2007 11:24 pm Post subject:

Pete,
I guess you are right in that it isn't waterproof anyway, so the split won't make any difference. When I do mine I will probably put the split part on the bottom where it won't show. Might be a good time to dress up all those wires and cables with some of those heavy covers most new boats have now. It looks like a giant version of split loom wire covering. I don't know if it serves any practical purpose but it looks clean and neat.

Gone Fishin · Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2007 3:59 pm Post subject:

Susan E · Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2007 8:47 pm Post subject:

Pete and cavu,

we had to do it on the susan e. and our boat was only 2years!!!

and tom did unhook EVERYTHING and a lot of cussing ensued. but he got in done after a few days. i suggest that when you take it off even if you cut it, bring it into west marine to get the correct one . Tom had to go back even though the salesman said we had teh correct one. The whole didn't match.

susan