Recommendation to Replace Gimbal Ring U-Bolts Annually ??

[kazie]

In a recent conversation with my brother-in-law he asked if I have the gimbal ring u-bolts on my boat changed every season. I assumed he was asking about torquing the gimbal ring u-bolts annually but he said the marina he just moved his boat to recommended that the u-bolts be replaced every year, his boat is eight (8) years old with the original gimbal ring u-bolts and in my mind these bolts are going to cross thread or snap if the machanic attempts to remove them. Torque them down annually is recommended but I have not heard of replacing them especially if they are eight years old.

 

[dev6315]

I have never heard of that either. If he is experiencing sloppy steering, or any other issues, perhaps. Are they badly corroded?

 

[Quint4]

Replace annually? No way.
Annually:
Lube gimbal bearings & u-joints.
Check outdrive alignment
Re-torque u-bolt nuts (50- 55 ft lbs)

 

[390x]

Quint is right. Also, if steering is sloppy, the swivel shaft or the gimbal are worn. The u-bolt only holds them tight, it can't tighten the gimbal against the swivel shaft it they are already loose.

 

[kazie]

Actually the steering is fine, outdrives have minimum gimbal play. The service dept is recommending replacing the u-bolt nuts as a annual maintenance service. I told my brother-in-law not to authorize the service on a set of eight (8) year old u-bolt nuts that will most likely cross thread or snap. I have never heard of replacing u-bolt nuts as maintenance item.

 

[tbirdvet]

Mec. manual does not say anything about replacing, only annual torquing.