[barnacle]

Newer I/O's are not like the older ones at all. If you have a pre 1986 OMC I/O then yes the boat could sink with that style seal set up. Anything newer if the bellow goes it will not sink the boat. THe water has to pass thru such small areas to enter the boat. Will it leak in fast yes but your bilge pump will keep up with it. If you purchase anything newer then a 1998 maintain it like you should, they are very trouble free. Me im a outboard man but many people love there I/Os. Many I/O's the boat owner can do alot of there own work to them even the newer EFI systems. THe boat owner and even you back door techs can not work on the newer DI's and 4 strokes out there. Outboards are getting so advanaced they should put a lock on the cover to keep the owners hands out of it.