Accordian Boot not Straight - Problem?

[scski]

I'm looking at buying a boat with the carbon ring setup, coming from an older style ski with greased/sealed bearing.

I noticed the boot is not straight from the seal carrier to the hull, it is off to one side a bit.

It appears the through-hull fitting may have been replaced as I can see some epoxy at the top of this area. (Doesn't look normal - different material than fg, looks like light gray epoxy)

Can this cause the carbon seal to wear out prematurely?

If so should I try to replace and recenter the through-hull fitting or maybe revert to the greased/sealed bearing setup?

 

[Dr Honda]

They almost never sit centered. If you loosen the boot, and give it a nudge... it will be fine.

Now... if you can verify a repair... that could be an issue. BUT... unlike the old style seal... a carbon seal shouldn't damage the hull, since it's mode of failure is leaking, or cavitation.

 

[scski]

Thanks for the input. I didn't measure but it's probably 1/4" or more. The ribs in the accordian part aren't really in line at all.

I thought it would be odd for this boat to have a repair with the carbon ring setup. Is there some type of gray material used in this area from the factory?