Saltwater maintenance question

[Jim13]

I have never had a boat in saltwater before. What do I need to do to my boat everytime I pull it out?
Any long term maintenance I need to know about?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Saltwater maintenance question

the main thing is flush the motor, wash the boat down, including the trailer.

what boat and motor do you have?

 

[F_R]

Re: Saltwater maintenance question

Maintenance: Lubricate everything that needs lubrication....often! Don't forget the steering rod where it goes through the tilt tube. That is a real PIA if ignored.

 

[elhombre]

Re: Saltwater maintenance question

rinse the hull and flush the engine with fresh water after each trip, or as soon after each trip as possible. change the water pump/impellor every year if your running exclusivly in the salt. I'm talking outboards here, but I'd do the same with an i/o. might be considered excessive on the h2o pump, but its good insurance- have fun!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Saltwater maintenance question

also on my I/O i change tstat every year.

 

[gcboat]

Re: Saltwater maintenance question

Good stuff - http://www.saltawayproducts.com/

 

[Jim13]

Re: Saltwater maintenance question

The boat will be a 81 Robalo with a 200 Evinrude.

Here is what I have so far:
Wash after every trip
flush engine (for how long?)
change T-stat (once a year)
change waterpump/impellor (once a year)
Lubricate everything often

Thanks for the info so far fellas. I am just trying to learn how to keep my boat in good working order.

How often should the trailer bearings be lubed?
Apply a coat of wax?

Anything else I need to be aware of?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Saltwater maintenance question

running the motor until the tstats open, then run for about 5 minutes. the water does not circulate in the block, until the tstats open. in salt water you should check and repack your bearing at the start of every season. using buddy bearings, helps keep water out. then about 1/2 thru the season, jack it up, and give them a shake and spin. to besure they are not wearing. salt water makes your boat sticky. keeping it clean, keeps i pleasant. we dock our boat in the Key during August, every night it gets washed down and covered, even though it is in the water.

also when towing get to know the regular sounds your trailer makes, if you start to hear something out of the ordinary. a roar, or thump,etc. stop and investigate.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Saltwater maintenance question

Wash after every trip:

Mine typically gets "rinsed" after every trip. It gets "washed" maybe 4 times a season.

flush engine (for how long?):

5 minutes...if that. My motor has over 2K hours of SW only use on it so I must be doing something right.

change T-stat (once a year):

My motor has SS thermostats. I check them once a year and change them only when needed. My present stats are 4 years old.

change waterpump/impellor:

(once a year) I'm running a pressure gauge so it's every two years or a significant a drop in my water pressure. My last pump was still at spec afer 3 years but i changed the pump out of guilt anyhow.

Lubricate everything often typically twice a year:

I do mine on an as needed basis and that's about right.

How often should the trailer bearings be lubed?

My bearings get a complete tear down and grease at the end of the season. After that a quick temp check of hubs will tell you if additional maintenance is necessary.

BTW: grease is not a consumable. If you constantly need more grease your seals have been compromised and are in need of immediate attention.

Apply a coat of wax?

I apply 2 coats of Collinite in March when the boat goes in the water. Those same 2 coats of wax are still intact when the boat gets brought home for the winter in January.

 

[Jim13]

Re: Saltwater maintenance question

You guys are a wealth of knowledge, and I thank you for sharing it with me.

 

[marine4003]

Re: Saltwater maintenance question

Dont forget to actually USE the boat,not just maintain it

 

[Jim13]

Re: Saltwater maintenance question

No worries there.
It will be out at least once a week, if only to fish a local lake.