Bellows - 18 months old, should I change them?

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Overdraught

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My bellows on 290DP's were replaced in Oct 07 when the boat was purchased. The boat is out of the water at the moment and although the bellows look fine, I'm not sure whether to change them or not. I don't have the required skills to do them myself so need to pay. As ever money is being consumed at an alarming rate, which I need to slow down. Best quote so far £170 for both.

I have been told some insurers require annual changes so am looking into this

Would you change them or wait another year?

cheers
Adam
 
Personally I would leave them.

The service interval for my DP drive is 2 years, and even then they look fine.

£170 sounds a good price, but does this include the parts and VAT, Last year I was charged £250 just for the labour.

You probably can do the other jobs yourself such at anodes and oil change.
 
£170 is amazingly cheap. The parts alone are around £130 for two sets of exhaust and UJ bellows. Are you sure it's not £170 per side which seems more realistic. Oil is around £74 for the pair so at £80 they are only charging £6 for the job?
 
yea.. this sounds extremely cheap !
You can check the bellows.. they should be supple, as opposed to going hard, and free from any barnacles/muck that might cut them. If you undo the circlip, you can check ther isnt any water in there.
Id be inclined to do them. the downside is a huge bill.
 
the price is from a new guy just set up in cobbs quay. Very keen for work so almost treating as a loss leader. His antifouling price was also so cheap it wasn't worth doing it myself. He's done an excellent job so far.

Perhaps I should have him do them for that money - it was for both sides
 
You just want to have nice new bellows like that shiney S28 next to you!!

Have to admit they have done a nice job on your antifoul.
 
[ QUOTE ]
the price is from a new guy just set up in cobbs quay. Very keen for work so almost treating as a loss leader. His antifouling price was also so cheap it wasn't worth doing it myself. He's done an excellent job so far.

Perhaps I should have him do them for that money - it was for both sides

[/ QUOTE ]

Maybe if you told us the name of the new outfit we could all benefit from whats sounds quality workmanship at realistic prices!
 
Just got back from CQ and your bellows are shot the port one is rock hard and the stb one is hard. Compared them to the nice shiney S28 next to you.
 
Really? well in that case, I'd better get them done! just re-checked the quote - £170 for the UJ bellows (think there are 2 sets), so maybe its more to have them all done

Steve, you're right about seeing you do yours and worrying. Plus its very bad news if they fail and I'll then be thinking 'why didn't i spend the....'

For those interested, the new outfit is Boatylicious, Tony Jacques. Forgive them the name!

He is keen for work and is prepared to travel - he's doing friends boats in Hythe and Ocean Village. Seriously though, you question if its worth doing it yourself. These are cheap prices to build a client base but its working. Check out their website and if you call or mail for a quote, please tell them Adam said to call!! Might get some bargain prices next year then!

Adam
 
I can recommend Tony Jaques (no "c") as well - he's just arranged for a whole new set of covers for my Targa 34 - customised to fit around my passerelle and with larger windows than normal - for only £950 all in. They are an excellent fit and the next best quote was £1700 so I'm really pleased with him/them.

He's got a special offer on of I think 30% off all works booked before end of March IIRC.
 
Supposed to be every other year,but if she is out of the water,prob best to get them done.No worries for next two years and no need to take boat out at end season unless you like looking at you boat on the hard standing for months on end.
Still nought queerer than folk.
 
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