Rubber Boot Gone Bad

F

Fishhawk

New member
I noticed a piece of rubber lying in Osprey's splashwell. Closer inspection revealed that it came from the boot around the steering cable and control cables. The boot is shot!

Shouldn't it have lasted more than 3 years of freshwater use?

Where do ya'll get new ones? Also, removing all of those cables to replace it would be a lot of work. Has anyone cut a slit in it and replaced it in that manner?

My apologies if this has been covered somewhere else.

Capt Dan
 
Captn Dan,
Just replaced my boot with the Atwood 1280-5. This is a split boot and an easy repair. Just slide it on and secure. Deploy a few extra wire ties onto the boot to ensure uniform closure.
Mike "Levity"
 
I had to replace mine on the 25 after 3 years. I think the UV is what degrades them the most. A split boot is the answer. Get an extra when you buy one as they aren't very expensive. Remove four screws and replacement is pretty easy.
 
O.K. and thanks very much.

I was hoping that there might be an easy fix.

Where does one obtain such a boot as an Attwood 1280-5?

CD
 
Gary,

The 4" ring should fit. My old ring measures 5 1/2" on the outside, but I used a 4" replacement boot. The 4" refers to the size of the hole it is covering.

Rob
 
I wouold recommend 303 protectorant for vinyl and rubber over ArmorAll. This is not just my opinion, but based on many users findings. The detiorration of these "rubber" or "plastic" boots is from both UV light and Ozone. The 303 has UV protectorant. You want to prevent the loss of "plasticisers" in the vinyl material, and 303 does this better.

It depends on the material as to how long these boots last. Some can be many years. 3 years seems like a very short time. I agree that you can use electrical ties--and some sealants to make the split boot totally water tight again.
 
The fella at West Marine said they they didn't have the boot when we asked awhile back. Next time I'll go in armed with the part number and have them order one if it's not in stock
 
Cap. Dan - three year old boot gone bad? Something is wrong. We can blame UV radiation, thinning of the ozone layer, relative latitude (to the equator), elevation, etc., but evidently there are boots and then there are boots. The boot on the Far West II is ten years old, kept at relatively high altitude (3000 to 5000 feet), treated with nothing, and shows no sign of cracking. I'll venture an opinion that the quality of boots varies significantly. Of course UV and heat will break down any rubber product over time. Protecting the boot with an improvised cover is pretty simple. C-Dory must have been installing the cheapest one available when they built your boat. Just my opinion. John
 
As Dr Bob said - 303 is the stuff to use. If you use electrical ties, use the black ones, they are more stable in UV exposure. Also when you cut off the long end of the tie with wire cutters you will leave a VERY sharp end, blunt it by heating with a gas match or lighter, melting it slightly.
 
The boot on the '07 25 I bought was cracked/split and was replaced by Matt @ Kitsap with a split boot prior to delivery. And the boat had NEVER been in water; fresh or salt. It's the UV.
 
Yellowstone":lwvg0v6f said:
Cap. Dan - three year old boot gone bad? Something is wrong... C-Dory must have been installing the cheapest one available when they built your boat. Just my opinion. John
Click to expand...

I was disappointed at how quickly the boot on my '05 went bad. Apparantly they were putting the cheapest boot available on an otherwise good boat.
C-Dory's new owners have been making improvements, hopefully this boot issue has been addressed.
 
This one says "Made in Taiwan" right on the top.

I'll bet the ones lasting 10 years are different.

Thanks Dr. Bob for another tidbit, I'll be getting some 303.

CD
 
Just dug out the spare I bought when I replaced mine last year. It is 5 1/2 " in outside diameter and has 6 screw holes. I just cut it and installed it with the split down and then I think I super glued it back together. I still don't remember where I bought them. Made in Taiwan is the only thing printed on it.
 
I also believe this is a product quality problem (cheap product). Boot on our 07 is shot. Boat is always covered so uv only affects it when we are using the boat. 200 hours on the boat. I would not expect this kind of maintenance that soon but it is what it is. Mine will be replaced before next adventure.
 
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