Expert: chris Wethered - 5/8/2008

Question
I have a 1988 Searay 180 Bowrider.  She takes on water when I launch and when I get back to the dock.  I think that water only comes in when the outdrive is up (mercruiser alpha one).  The drivetrain bellows was just inspected on a service and the shift cable bellows doesn't seem to have any cracks.  It  leaks without the motor running.  Any ideas?

Answer
Hi Tracy,

From your description, You might have a leaking transom assembly. This would be evident when the engine is not running. The two rubber components most likely to cause a water leak are the Ujoint Bellows and the Shift Cable Bellows.

You need to remove the outdrive and inspect the gimbal bearing. As you have already had the bellows replaced, it may well be the bearing that has corroded letting water in, when the engine is off. You will need a hinge pin tool, to get the bearing out.

I hope this helps

Chris