KAAMA boots, custom rubber?
 

Although I haven't checked with them lately, it seems as though Archer Marine is no longer a good source for KAAMA drive boots. Does anyone here know anything or anybody that could help in getting some new ones made ?

Re: KAAMA boots, custom rubber?
 

I'm looking too. Let me know if you find anything.

Re: KAAMA boots, custom rubber?
 

I found quite a few companies by doing a search for "custom rubber products" on the web. I haven't called any of them though as I am hoping someone on the board might have some experience or connections in the that industry.

Re: KAAMA boots, custom rubber?
 

I contacted one about making them. After the $8000 set up fee, they would be $200 each with a minimum of 100. :eek:

Re: KAAMA boots, custom rubber?
 

If they could be made reasonably, I think they should be made accordian style like some radiator hoses. I think they'd hold up a lot better with the flexing.

Re: KAAMA boots, custom rubber?
 

Doesn't sound promising. This could be a big problem.

Re: KAAMA boots, custom rubber?
 

It would be much easier if it were the same diameter at both ends. I think they are ten inches on the engine side, and eight at the other end. :(

Re: KAAMA boots, custom rubber?
 

I wonder if some kind of ring could be attached at the eight inch end to make it ten inches. I'm sure somebody in the world makes a ten inch rubber hose.

Re: KAAMA boots, custom rubber?
 

I remember 2 separate posts from a long time ago where someone stated that they knew of some type of hose that was used for fire fighting equipment that would work. The other post stated that there was another drive manufacturer (possibly a new company) that is currently using the same boot. Any idea what company that might be? I would agree that coming up with a ring to make it the same diameter would help.

Re: KAAMA boots, custom rubber?
 

Weissmam. :cool:

Re: KAAMA boots, custom rubber?
 

Here are some pictures in case anyone can help, but isn't sure what they are. The boot is a different diameter at both ends and there is a ridge on the inside that rides in a groove on the drive. You can click on them for a larger pic.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y22...h_100_1434.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y22...h_100_1435.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y22...h_100_1436.jpg

Re: KAAMA boots, custom rubber?
 

Weissmam ! Those are great looking drives. Tough to tell from the pic, but they sure look like they might be it. A phone call is definitely in order. Coincidence that I first heard of those drives about the same time Archer stopped getting boots?

Re: KAAMA boots, custom rubber?
 

If you can make a ring to get both ends the same diameter, take a look at www.mcmaster.com pg 3498 and 3499. Avail up to 12" ID for pretty reasonable costs.
-Greg

Re: KAAMA boots, custom rubber?
 

i spoke to a friend of mine in this very industry. he has done some work prototyping impellers and replacement boots for merc drives. he is putting me in contact with a supplier that can do these in silicone or EPDM as an alternative to natural rubber. i will meet with her as soon as i can and run these pics by her. my friend seems to think we can get the set up cost and minimum units down considerably. does anybody have any rough dimensions? i also have some info in my stack of old boat stuff, i have an old sales brochure that i got right from Kaama back in like 1985 or something. hope i can help.

Re: KAAMA boots, custom rubber?
 

by the way is the side of the boot straight or is it steped with a slight "accordian" like rolling in it ?

Re: KAAMA boots, custom rubber?
 

I have sent the one boot we had to Texas to get done by a friend that makes rubber products for the oil industry.

The original mold is in limbo somewhere. I will let you know when there is a replacement and where to puchase it from.

My father designed the Kaama drive and that is why we used the boot on the WSD drive that came out in 2000.

pat W

Re: KAAMA boots, custom rubber?
 

Glassdave, I have the boots and drives in the garage so I can get you measurements. I would also be willing to send you a boot if necessary, it would not be an extra boot but one from the boat, so I would need to have it returned in good condition so I could try to repair it in a worst case scenario( it has a couple small tears in it). The boot does have a "slight accordion like rolling", I am not sure if it is designed in or whether it is just stretched from use.
Shifter(Pat), I called your company today, but you were on the phone. You seem to have answered my question here. Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated. If you have any other info about the drives you can share I'm sure there are a few people here that would be interested.

Re: KAAMA boots, custom rubber?
 

Here's the deminsions on them. They are straight sided. When I bought my boat, I had two brand new spares. I put one on, because only one was leaking. I had a fellow Oso'r ask to by my second spare so he could get on the water. Since I didn't need it at the time, I sold it to him for the cost of another, since I figured I'd just go ahead an order another spare, so I would have it when I needed it. Then I find Archer is no longer selling them. Nice guys finish last. :(

Here is a callout to all you guys subscribed to this thread. Anybody been in touch with Shifter at Weismann about these boots? I know their new designs don't use the boots anymore but they must have some old customers that they have to keep happy. Take a look at the other threads on this subject that are now conveniently located at the bottom of the thread below. I don't think Archer is going to put time into this any more.

This is interesting for you Kaama guys
http://cgi.ebay.com/kamma-450-valve-...3A1%7C294%3A50

I actually need one of those so I placed a bid. They probably wont fit with the new rockers though.