Cable Boot

P

Pat Anderson

New member
When Carl at EQ was installing the Honda BF15 kicker, we noticed that the boot where all the control cables and the fuel line go through the side of the motor well was toast - really disintegrating, apparently it is rubber and UV has taken its toll. Has anybody else replaced the boot? First off, West Marine only had boots that had four screw holes, this has six. Then, the "correct" way to replace it would be to disconnect all the cables, slide the boot over them, screw the boot in place and reconnect all the cables - not for the faint of heart! Les suggested just cutting a slit in the boot and using clamps - he also said there might be vinyl boots that would last longer than the rubber boots, but we have not found one yet - have not done any extensive internet research yet though. I wonder if this is another "epidemic" that all you 2004 - 2005 CD25 owners will now start noticing on your boats...
 
I purchased the replacement boot for my CD-25 from Cutter Marine. It has the split to go over the cables and the right number of holes.
 
My boot has also disintegrated and, except when cruising, the boat is always covered. I removed the old boot and using it as a pattern, made a replacement from a piece of 3/16" black EPDM flat rubber. A 2"+/- hole for the cables was cut toward the lower edge and I made a single cut from the outside edge to this hole so that it could be slipped over the cabling. Looks good to me. The hard plastic flange does not need to be removed.
 
Impolite invasion of privacy questions The Devil Makes Me Ask:

How come 2005 boats have disintegrating rubber boots?

My 20-year old 1987 CD-22 has the original boot on it, and it's just fine.

Did the EPA outlaw quality rubber ? Are the rubber trees holding out for a better deal? Is Neoprene now classified as a carcinogenic? Did Ted Turner get a corner on the market? Where's Rubber Man when you need him? Want to contribute to our "Rubbers for World Peace Prayer Marathon"?

Just found out the other day that you can't buy or use zinc chromate metal primer anymore in California. :cry: There is a self-etching subsitute, though, at $16 a spray can, and it works good, at least so far...

Joe.
 
Joe,

Ah...The joys of California!! :crook

They are protecting you from that cancer causing spray paint, whether you want to be protected or not!! :teeth :sad

We can still buy the stuff in Washington. :smileo

Seriously, zinc chromate primer is bad stuff, O/B mechs called it "green death", and it can cause cancer. Always wear a chemical respirator when spraying. :wink
 
Larry H-

Thanks for the info!

We used zinc chromate paste on sailboats, expecially when assembling stainless hardware on an aluminum alloy mast with stainless machine screws or rivets because of the dissimilar metals / corrosion problem.

Tied to get some z/c spray paint when rebuilding the two Mercruiser outdrives on my Sea Ray last week, but found out about the restriction and newer products.

Joe.
 
Joe/Sea Wolf ( since when Lake Shasta is considered a sea?)

Anyway, when I picked up my boat in 2005, I noticed the boot was pre-disintegrated. Upon wondering why, I noticed that the thing was made in China. I think that says it all. They must be using the old natural rubber.

You might check and see if you have one made elsewhere.

Boris
 
journey on":17u4redv said:
Joe/Sea Wolf ( since when Lake Shasta is considered a sea?)

Anyway, when I picked up my boat in 2005, I noticed the boot was pre-disintegrated. Upon wondering why, I noticed that the thing was made in China. I think that says it all. They must be using the old natural rubber.

You might check and see if you have one made elsewhere.

Boris
Click to expand...

Boris-

Can't find any identifying marks, but I'm not going to disassemble it, either.

Has four screw holes, a steel ring base that the "rubber" is cast around and which makes up the boot, and appears to be Neoprene or something similar, not soft rubber.

It's a little rusted through around the screw holes, but otherwise fine and serving it's second motor.

Plead nolo contendere on the charges of Fraudulent Representation of a Frog Pond as the High Seas. Pardon My Pondificatory Exaggeration. Will send frozen frog legs in lieu of normal bail.

Joe.
 
After one year, my cable boot disintegrated. Cutter installed another by cutting it to fit over the cables and wire tied it. This one lasted six months. I purchased a T-H Cable boot http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... SiteSearch . It is not rubber, but more of a vinyl. Granted, the holes did not line up witht he original, so with a little patience and a drill, I matched the holes. It also has to be cut, but the wire tie will secure it. So far so good. I posted a picture in my album.

John
Swee Pea
 
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