How often should I .......

[russ]

change the gators on my Mercruiser Bravo 3 ? I had new ones fitted when I first got her along with the gimble bearing in April 2011, talking to fellow boaters I am getting different points of view.
How long before all the engine rubber hoses need replacing? I assume if there was to be a hose failure this could lead to the boat sinking or can water only get in between the impeller and where the hose exits?
Also I've had the impeller changed twice since owning the boat but as the hours of use have been low last year does it need renewing?

 

[Scubadoo]

Not sure about Merc outdrives, but Volvo drives, I replace mine every two years for the bellows (gators) and the impeller annually as part of the engine service. Also if you have trim tabs (Eltrim) they have bellows which also need replacing, again I do these every two years.

Every year you should inspect the condition of the rubber hoses such as the bellows etc, if in doubt replace.

 

[rafiki_]

If you can get at the rubber bits, have a good look and feel. They should be good for at least 2 years.

 

[russ]

If you can get at the rubber bits, have a good look and feel. They should be good for at least 2 years.

Is fresh water any less harmful to rubber hoses than salt water environment? Could a faulty hose cause the boat to sink or is it a closed system after the impeller?

 

[VicS]

change the gators

?????????/

 

[rafiki_]

Is fresh water any less harmful to rubber hoses than salt water environment? Could a faulty hose cause the boat to sink or is it a closed system after the impeller?

Ozone is the killer, and stretching of the rubber bits. I make sure Raf's drives are in the fully "down" position when I leave her, except on the odd occasion when the water level is low in the marina. I'm not sure that brine is any more or less of a problem. I'm not familiar with the B3's on your boat, you really need to guestimate the water level, and any siphoning possibility, but leaking gaiters/hoses are bad news for the metal and oily internals, even iff there is no threat of water ingress.

Mercuryman (Tompa Marine) is the resident Forum expert on Merc engines/drives, and a pm to him might be useful? He is an all round good egg.