Abstract: A boot system interactive with an access port of a marine outboard engine and adapted to protectively enclose an elongated steering component emergent from the access port includes an elongated resilient hollow boot and an internally threaded receiving nut which engages the access port. The boot has an accordion-pleated wall portion elongated upon a center axis and terminating in first and second attachment sleeves. The first sleeve grips the steering component. The second sleeve has an inwardly directed annular abutment shoulder that fits onto a recessed annular groove on the receiving nut. Self-locking plastic straps compress the first sleeve onto the steering component and the second sleeve onto the receiving nut.