boating from freshwater into saltwater

[oregonorbust]

taking boat from missouri to gulf of mexico (off of mississippi coast).Do I just need to flush the engine and outdrive?.bOAT IS A 85 COBALT 23CM CUDDY MID-ENGINE,Also is this boat seaworthy?5.7/260H.P.any answers would be greatly appreciatedalso the boats 4900lbs.

 

[Solittle]

Re: boating from freshwater into saltwater

Flushing plus a wipedown of the hull and a good fresh water wash will do it just fine.

 

[QC]

Re: boating from freshwater into saltwater

Well that's kinda the wrong way to get to Oregon, but let's assume you know where you want to go . . .

The seaworthy question has more to do with how far outside you plan on going, your experience and the boat's condition. Could you define your trip into the Gulf a little more completely? With an '85, and considering your question about flushing, I wonder some about your experience. A well cared for older boat with an experienced crew is one thing, a used boat with a skipper who may not understand all of the mechanical, structural, loading and handling issues is another . . .

Not harassing at all; tell us more and we can be more accurate in our responses. A beat up boat with a teen behind the wheel is probably not safe in a bathtub . . . Welcome to iboats!

 

[oregonorbust]

Re: boating from freshwater into saltwater

thank you solittle thats what i wanted to hear. And yes QC that is the wrong way to go.stepdad dad lives in gulfport and talks about taking the boat out.would not go out that far without gps,taking seamanship classes and such.just saw an old ad for my boat pic of it was offshore somewhere.cobalts.com.ads or brochures.AS far as oregon goes born and raised there in missouri now cant afford to live therethanks abunch guys

 

[QC]

Re: boating from freshwater into saltwater

BTW, Cobalts are among the best. If properly mainatined she'll be fine for short runs outside.

 

[oregonorbust]

Re: boating from freshwater into saltwater

thanks again QC.Thats why we bought the boat. good reputation,even though an '85 looked new,had 3xx hrs on it, spent its life in a lake.First winter we had it rookie mystake winterizing.Lets just say ishe has a new motor this year.never forget those two unseen drain petcocks again.