Salt water issue

[LuckyPenny]

I am planning on a trip to Southwest FL this winter and wanted to know the problems I might have with Salt Water. The intent is to keep her there for no more than 4 months during the winter. it is a 5.7L Raw Water system. I plan (weather permitting) to scrub her down about once every 7-10 days or so. and Run her on muffs (waterborne) about the same time.<br /><br />Any suggestions.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Salt water issue

It kinda depends on where you go in the Keys. There are places where you probably won't have a problem if you vigorously follow your schedule. There are places however where the barnacles will start to form in a few days. You can tell quite easily by running your hand over the hull under the surface. If it starts to feel like sandpaper then you have barnacles starting to form. They are easy to get off with a sponge if you get to them while they are wet. Let them dry and you have your work cut out for you.

 

[Sea Six]

Re: Salt water issue

You'll end up with a cruddy mess if it's not bottom painted.

 

[LuckyPenny]

Re: Salt water issue

I have a new coat of good bottom paint on, my concern is the engine.

 

[gutshot grouper]

Re: Salt water issue

If you shut the engine off while still hot, the cast iron manifolds tend to deteriorate faster due to accumulation of salt, it is possible to arrange a valving setup in the raw water circuit so you can flush the engine while in the water, but it would depend on the individual plumbing on your engine, it would be much simpler on a straight inboard than on a inboard/outboard

 

[BillP]

Re: Salt water issue

Corrosion is our worst boat motor enemy here in Florida. Raw water cooled inboards go 10 yrs full time in saltwater without flushing and then start having problems...I wouldn't worry about it with your schedule and weekly flushing. Just make sure you don't overheat the motor, that's what makes the salt build up. Otherwise it takes about that long for exhaust risers to rust though. <br /><br />You can also spray the exterior of the engine with products like CRC 2-26 to keep it looking new around saltwater. Wet (dripping wet)it down with one full can every season. Be sure to unhook the battery first because it can flash before dry.<br /><br />Like already posted, if you can, valve off a hose for freshwater flushes. Then use freshwater to flush while in the water. I don't know if this is an option on outdrives. <br /><br />If yours is an outdrive I'd worry more about electrolysis on the aluminum case. Stray currents will eat it up quickly but you can watch for it. Try to keep the drive out of the water and make sure zincs are still active.