Ski boats in saltwater?

[Waterdawg19]

I live on the Texas Gulf Coast, and I am considering buying wakeboard boat (specifically a Moomba Outback V). I am a little skeptical about buying because i live on the saltwater and the boat would mostly be used in the saltwater. Is the saltwater that much worse on these inboards?

 

[QC]

Re: Ski boats in saltwater?

As long as you flush the engine out every trip and meticulously clean and rinse everything, they're fine. I would want a molded sole (fiberglass floor) with snap out type carpet if you get any carpet at all. No wooden floor!!Doesn't really matter if it's a Ski boat or a Fishing trawler, above would apply. Closed cooling is always a good thing with Saltwater boats, but good flushing can take care of most of that concern . . .

 

[tommays]

Re: Ski boats in saltwater?

My BILs Correct Craft with a 351 ford lasted 28 years in saltwater before it got a repower 2 years ago


It is all the flushing and how it is stored when NOT in use


Now the ride of a skiboat in saltwater that is generaly CHOPPY leaves a LOT to desire



Tommays

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Ski boats in saltwater?

i high recommend the close cooling system, but that only is for the engine only, the exhaust manifolds, are still cooled with seawater, so the flushing is still extremely important. is the boat going to be trailered or wet slipped?

 

[sickwilly]

Re: Ski boats in saltwater?

check out the new off shore mastercraft crossover wake board boat / dive / fish boat. I think it was featured in the boating life edition two months ago. That boat is sweet!

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Ski boats in saltwater?

Dawg, There are thousands of I/O and inboards here in NJ that have raw water cooled engines and manifolds. These operate in salt water all the time, are moored in salt water and are never flushed with freshwater. We obviously need to install new manifolds every 5-8 years, but the blocks hold up without an issue.

 

[Waterdawg19]

Re: Ski boats in saltwater?

i high recommend the close cooling system, but that only is for the engine only, the exhaust manifolds, are still cooled with seawater, so the flushing is still extremely important. is the boat going to be trailered or wet slipped?

It will be trailered.

Thanks for all the info and quick response. I've heard a bunch of people say saltwater is no no, but naturally it is all about how you take care of it.

 

[Waterdawg19]

Re: Ski boats in saltwater?

check out the new off shore mastercraft crossover wake board boat / dive / fish boat. I think it was featured in the boating life edition two months ago. That boat is sweet!

I have seen the saltwater mastercrafts online. They are really nice, but a little outside of my price range.

 

[DJ]

Re: Ski boats in saltwater?

Flushing an inboard (not I/O) can be a challenge. If it's going to be a on a trailer, there is a device called "Fake a Lake" that fits over the water pick up for flushing.

Here's another option.

http://www.iboats.com/Flush_Pro_99_...60644574--list_time.1200713399--view_id.39356