Tell It To Me Straight - Transom Leak 180BR

[Holden]

I bought a 2000 180BR last year and it served me well through the summer, except for this pesky slow transom leak. Took it to a shadetree boat mechanic and he put some silicone (or similiar) around the lower (Said factory stuff goes bad). This did not work.
For this year, I have decided against getting a new boat and am going to fix the leak (have the dealership do it. What I'm asking is - what is the worst case scenario and what's it gonna cost me? I'd like to get started around March to be ready for the summer.

 

[tdappleman]

Which part is the 'lower'? Have you been able to see where the water is coming in? How much water gets in? Is it when the boat sits or after a ride? I'm not sure which drive you have but assuming Alpha Gen 2. You most likely have a boot which needs to be replaced - either a shift boot or the gimble boot. If it is the gimble then water most likely has damaged the bearing enough so that while you are in there it would be prudent to replace the bearing as well.

Here is what the parts look like: http://www.sterndrivesolutions.com/servlet/Detail?no=14

 

[Holden]

Thanks,

Can I just order that kit, have it installed and be good to go?

 

[Fun Times]

The cost would be a hard one to say, It dependes on what and where it is leaking and what is damaged from the leak, Also because the dealer will more then likely need to take the boat to a lake for testing, There will be a charge for that, So the closer the dealer is to a lake the cheaper it may be on you.:wink::huh:

In my opinion You would be better off trying to get the boat in to the dealer before march if you can because the closer you get to boating season the busier the dealer will be and your boat could end up sitting around for a bit till someone can get some extra time to get to it, And then the boat may end up going through the motions at a fast pace and something might get over looked, And more then likely the techs at the dealer are sitting around wishing you would bring the boat in right now, So they can take there time and have a better chance to do it right the first time.:smt001 Just my 02 worth, Good luck with it.

 

[300 da]

There is a good possibility someone tightened the garboard drain plug down too tight, and the silicone seal was broken. If that is the case it is an easy inexpensive fix by the dealer or yourself.

 

[Holden]

Turns out it may have been 2 things - the drain plug to a lesser extent (could gaurantee either way, so went ahend and fixed it) and the other, and more probable cause was some gasket around an exhaust ??????? (I'm lost here). Anyway, about $500 later, we appear to be good.