Airship the as You Know the Idea is too keep Marine growth off the ball, If the Boat is used frequently that’s also a consideration, Fresh water! Well a clue would be too look an the area adjacent to the Ball-Socket for the buildup, that will pretty much tell what you will face on the Long term in the absence of a cover

A simple split boot like is used on the Automobile replacement CV joint Covers, was never done to my knowledge, leaving the remaining option of having to remove the unit .