How long can I leave an outdrive in saltwater

[shaun77]

Just bought a '11 Sea Ray with a 4.3 I/O. I live in Florida on a salt water canal and was wondering how long I could leave the boat in the water for multiple uses. Is a weekend to long? Or even overnight gonna cause any serious corrosion that quickly?

 

[JoLin]

Re: How long can I leave an outdrive in saltwater

Mine's been in for 15 years- all season, every season. Change your anodes (zincs) annually.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: How long can I leave an outdrive in saltwater

21 years, so far seasonally with my outdrive. You should have salt water anodes installed on the outdrive, regardless of the duration that you are planning. So, if you don't, then off to the store to get some. They are usually sold in sets to match your outdrive.

They will sacrifice themselves so that your outdrive can live a long life. Need to be replaced once they are about 1/2 'depleted'.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: How long can I leave an outdrive in saltwater

after you have your annodes squared away, the issue is not the salt water but what grows there. Ask your locals. Overnight or weekend, certainly no problem. Around here, at peak season, you might get stuff after 2-3 weeks.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: How long can I leave an outdrive in saltwater

if your on the gulf side, the high temps promote growth much faster than the ocean side. +1 on the zinc maintenance.

 

[MarkSee]

Re: How long can I leave an outdrive in saltwater

Or even overnight gonna cause any serious corrosion that quickly?

Are you concerned with "corrosion" on the outdrive only or also the engine and if you should be flushing that out periodically?
Seems that since you mentioned the model of engine that might be aconcern for you.
If so, what brand engine/drive and is it freshwater cooled or raw?

Mark