Exhaust manifold base - smoke!

[snowrider]

Took the boat out for first time this year. Great conditions and wakeboarding was fun - myself, wife and our 8yr old all took a set in 50 degree water! Everyone was stoked. Boat ran fine, all gauges readings ok etc., but after accelerating the boat I would lift the engine hatch and what looked like the underside of the starboard side exhaust manifold base (closest to bow area in vdrive) was smoking slightly - just wispy white smoke with no real odor. It would stop after 15-20seconds each time. I thought it was something just burning off and couldn't see any water leaking. Don't want to have to take it 3hrs to our dealer, but what could be cause?

[electricjohn]

Check the torque on your exhaust manifold bolts. Mine has come loose. I think the torque spec for these bolts are 35 lb/ft, but double check this.

[fijidaniel]

My first thought is WD-40 burning off of the engine if it was sprayed on at winterization. You said it would stop after 15-20 seconds. How long did this go on?

[JasonK]

My guess is it's just steam.

[snowrider]

My first thought is WD-40 burning off of the engine if it was sprayed on at winterization. You said it would stop after 15-20 seconds. How long did this go on?

First noticed it a couple runs into the day and then checked after wide open run back to launch area and it was doing the same thing - took it for another quick run across the lake and nothing. I thought it was something being burned off or steam, but from where?

[Gary Pelletier]

Encountered the same issue with my boat startup earlier this year. Had to hark back to my winterization when I coated the engine with WD-40. It burned off within a couple of lengthy runs - no issues now

[bnew03xti]

Could be steam from a very small water leak.....

[Rmattajr]

Did we ever find out what the issue was on this one? This is very similar to the issue i am experiencing.