Fresh Water Boat In Salt Water

[melody]

Hi,
I just have a quick question, and would like a serious answer. My boat has always been used in fresh water, I have recently moved to a home on the ICWW. I would like to know if there is anything I need to do to my boat in order to put it in the water here. It will be stored in the water in my back yard boat slip, there is not a lift for it. I have been told that I need to coat or seal the engine by flushing it with something. Some say I don't need to do a thing to make the transfer. Someone who knows please answer. I joined another forum and got a bunch of bull.

[cgrand]

if you leave it in the water it'll need bottom paint if it doesnt already
if it's an outboard thats really all you need to do
if it's an i/o you likely are going to need to do a few more things...i'd take it to a dealer for the make and see what they say

[BONZO]

If it's a raw water cooled inboard I would think about closed cooling. Flushing can't hurt but I have never flushed a inboard and have never had trouble .

If it's an I/O be ready to keep a real close watch on your zincs and bellows, and do your PM work on time. I have managed to keep Bravo III drives in the salt for 10 years without issues.

If you have a I/O check your zincs at least once a week, I can't tell how important that is.

But I/O's will cost alot more to maintain then a streight inboard.

Bottom paint etc.

Good luck.

Be Big,
Alan

[Kamper]

Your motor is most likely fine if it was made after the early 1980's. Same with the hull. Prior to that there were a lot more products specifically for salt or fresh-water use.

When you get back from a trip, it is advisable to hook a hose to the motor and flush it with fresh water to prevent salt buildup and oxidation. There are chemical treatments that enhance this process but it is illegal in most states to allow them to run into open waters. The fines are quite stiff so dont listen to folks who say they do it at night and havent been caught (yet).

The bottom of the boat should be treated with anti-fouling paint. These contain substances which are toxic to barnacles and other marine growth or are ablative and allow them to slough off.

The trailer may not be salt-water safe so make sure you rinse it good and put a little grease in the hubs when you do use it, especially if you are going to store it for a while.

You may want to get a book or two on boating. There are hundreds out there for folks with all levels of experience. The Idiots & Dummies books have lots of tips. The boaters' bible is called "Chapman's" for short and is one of the most definitive references out there.

If you want to see all the stuff you can spend money on, go to www.defender.com since they are the most comprehensive catalog I have seen so far. After you find what you need there do a net search for the product. Most liklely you will find it elsewhere for less. I use them as a source of last resort because they have service issues.

Good luck!

[onejacker]

Hey Melody,

I second what cgrand said, and

Welcome to THT!

Good luck, and remember to have fun. Lots of folks loose sight of that part. Irritable I guess. oh well.

Pat

[Capt Stan]

Get some T-9 or other engine proctant and spray it down(engine/components) good. This will help prevent corrosion from the salt water. I would also advise spraying down all electric/wiring with something similar to prevent corrosion there as well.

[KJS]

Change your anodes. If you were in fresh water you should have magnesium anodes. In salt water you want zinc anodes.

Also, paint your outdrive with interlux outdrive antifouling paint....or antifouling paint of your choice meant for outdrives. If you don't your outdrive will attact barnacles.

[yottyboy]

Replace any hardware that's made from cast zinc or aluminum with 316 stainless. Same for any fasteners made of regular steel, brass, aluminum. Might as well do it now while it still might come apart rather than later when it's all a corroded frozen clump.
Be sure all your wiring is marine grade tinned copper. Test all your lights and use dielectric grease in the sockets to keep the corrosion away. Grease your battery terminals generously. If you have a head/holding tank you might want to consider fresh water (on board) flush as raw water tends to be much stinkier. Toss an inflatable snake in the cockpit to keep the gulls and pelicans away (eeew)
You're in tidal waters which tend to be patrolled more diligently so be sure your registration stickers are in place and your paperwork is in order. Have the proper safety gear aboard. Have fishing licenses and permits in order. Know the rules of the road. Leave the beer at home for afterwards.

[dog-on]

welcome to my neck o the woods.......everything these guys are saying is right..... see ya on the water.

[Flot]

You need to specify some more details - most important, what type of motor? Also would be helpful to know age / make of the boat and motor. The answers you have gotten are very good but could be a lot more specific if you clarify.

[reconbyfire]

AdamLotz - 3/6/2007 4:12 PM

You need to specify some more details - most important, what type of motor? Also would be helpful to know age / make of the boat and motor. The answers you have gotten are very good but could be a lot more specific if you clarify.

Agree.
Is the boat wood, fiberglass, or 5xxx Marine Aluminum Alloy?

[cgrand]

19' searay...i have ESP

[katkt]

cgrand - 3/6/2007 5:48 PM

19' searay...i have ESP

.........round round, get a round, I get around.............................

I hope she isn't referring to "Dockside Chat" when she was running down the forum that gave her all the ..............help.