KAD43 Exhaust bellows fallen off :-(

[msimms]

Fired up the starboard engine a couple of weeks ago and noticed it was far louder than normal. Lifted leg and it look like the exhaust bellows has come adrift (boat side, still attached to the leg) and is hanging down. Water was a bit murky so it's possible it has split rather than come off. All bellows were replaced during leg service back in June. Due to work commitments I've not been able to arrange a lift to get it sorted.

So to the question. Assuming I'm not too worried about upsetting the Noise Abatement Society, could the boat still be used (at displacement speed) or is there risk of damage?

Cheers

Mark

 

[[2068]]

If it's split, I'd be more worried about the UJ bellows if they were changed at the same time.

Main problem with split exhaust bellows is that the exhaust gasses are meant to be released underwater into the prop stream, so your stern might go sooty / smelly cockpit etc.

 

[BartW]

With my previous boat one bellow came off during my holliday's.
I kept on using the boat for some day's with the extra noise,
noticed no problems using her like that,

it was a mercruiser alpha one leg, don't know for a volvo

it would worry me more that the bellows were replaced this year,
carefully check what went wrong

 

[AndieMac]

Did you do the replacement yourself, or outside contractor?

If a 'professional' did the job, get them to sort it at their expense.

As the others have said, I would be concerned about the state of the other bellows.

 

[Peanuts]

I have only known Volvo exhaust bellows that have come off at the outdrive end, on one boat it remained that way for a couple of months until the boat came out for the winter, however that one had the flaps inside the bellows to prevent any flow of water going up the exhaust down pipe and that is where my concern would be for you. Although in theory you could use the engine (apart from the noise and possible soot/smell as mentioned already) there is nothing to stop any back flow of water caused from either slowing down if you were using the boat or from the wash of a passing boat going straight up the exhaust downpipe. That is the reason for those rubber flaps over the exhaust outlet on the outdrive. I hope you understand what I am attempting to describe.
Do you not know anyone who has an underwater video camera so you could view the situation?

 

[PCUK]

Following Peanuts idea. Maplin were selling underwater camera and monitor sets for £50 about a year ago.