Went to replace the bellows on my 242 and found that the flappers on the exhaust tips are gone. Has any one retrofitted[ATTACH=CONFIG]566193[/ATTACH] new flaps without removing the exhaust tips?

Yes, you drill out the rivets and the new ones go in from inside the bilge, wicked easy. I dont remember the part # though

Are the flaps really needed if the Silent Thunder box is still on?

Just think about it this way. If you shove it in reverse and fill the platform full of water wouldn't you rather know your flappers are there?

Usually with the engine running its okay, careful dunking the boat fast at the launch, the rush of water goes right up the exhaust and the flappers are the only barrier.

You need these internal flappers with the cage assembly that bolts right in. I have these. Hope this page link works. But you need the ones for flat tips. The link I have posted is for angle tips. Jeff wurl. http://www.marineindustrieswest.com/...9&CFTOKEN=2990

Thanks. ID of the tips is 3.5in. Not sure if thes will fit. I'll call them and check it out. Seems like there is little risk of backlow into the risers with the silent thunder.

Merc part number 12647. Google is your friend. Sierra Marine makes replacements, too.

I bent a rod after my friend backed my boat in a little fast and a little deep with the flappers missing in my y-pipe so no way I'd not replace the flappers in the tips even with the silent thunder box still in place. I'd also make sure the rubber flappers are still in place on the box.

Wise man