UJ Bellows & Dry Storage

[Guest]

Azzuro's post lower down has got me thinking. Every year since my boat was new i've needed both UJ Bellows and Gimble bearing. Like Azzuro this is usually picked up on the service and replaced.

Last service however they did'nt change them, I'm in luck me thinks, but no sooner is the boat back in the water when I noticed the usual rumblings of Knackered bearings, so now its got to go back in.

My point after all this rambling is that my boat is dry stored and after much discussion last year I changed the position the leg each week over winter ( We couldn't decide wether it should be up or down for storage)and the bellows are still knackered.

How often do these parts let go is once a year normal or am I just unlucky?

 

[halcyon]

How much are these bellows, just wondering.

Luckely Offshore did not fit them to Halcyons.


Brian

 

[hlb]

Luckily only had a boat with bellows in it for about four years. So only put two new gear boxes and assorted running gear in them. Did nearly sink on but missed out on that. And rammed it up the beach. But you dont get MOBE. For that. Just spend some money on the thing. No not that much. Three times that!
Can we go to sleep now.!!

No one can force me to come here-----------
----- I'm a Volunteer!!!

Haydn

 

[Guest]

Difficult to split up labour charges, but bellows and bearing supplied and fitted about £200 per outdrive. (Yes its a V###o)

 

[Geoffs]

Can't see why you should need new bellows and bearings each year, would have thought keeping out of the water should prolong life.

My boat is dry berthed, three years old now, and so far, not had to replace anything other than routine items, oil changes, pick up impellor, plugs etc. Oh, did have one new anode this year.All gimbal bearings etc., regularly greased, engine does about 100hrs per year. It's not a Volvo, if that is significant??

As always in these matters, touching wood and keeping fingures crossed

Old Chinese proverb 'Man who sail boat into rice field, soon get into paddy'

 

[halcyon]

Blimey, two of those will pay my mooring and layup for the year.


Brian

 

[DavidJ]

Very unlucky I'd say
Should change bellows every two years but I must confess I have gone to three with no problems. Never a gimble problem in 10years. Boat was dry stored.
David

 

[azzurro]

Bellows only(not including fitting) £44.25 + VAT. Yes thats a Volvo price.

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the replies.

I guess that settles it i'm unlucky ;-)

 

[sonarbell]

Do you run your engine alot in neutral? When in the water of course. Cos most Volvo legs have oil pump inside and no lubey lubey to the top bits if not in gear when engine running, oh and I change my Bellows every 2 to 3 years, had no problem on either leg yet. use only Volvo bellows, even tho they cost the earth. Boat out every winter for 3 months.