Bellows on a boat. What are they?

Question

Boat is blocked at home. I don't even know what the bellow are and is it necessary to lower them. I have a 28' Cruisers with twin engines. It's my 2nd year in boating.

Answer 1

bellows are the rubberized material between the back of your boat and the outdrives. you would lower your outdrives to ensure any water leaks out of the lower unit so it doesn't freeze in there and cause damage.

Answer 2

they are rubber accordion like hoses that connect the engine to the drive and the other connects the exhaust to the lower unit

Answer 3

Bellows are the rubber gaskets that keep water out of the boat between the boat and the outdrives.  When storing the boat on blocks you need to lower the Outdrive to a down position, Do not keep the drives in the up position.  Then, the bellows will not be stressed.  Keep them clean and free of growth and shells. Do not put paint on them.  Check them every season before putting the boat in the water.  Look for dryness and cracks or holes. Failure of the bellows will sink the boat.   Change them every 5 years or so.  Look them up in the boat manual or go to the boat show and they will show you what it is.  Good luck.