How long can my boat be in salt water?
 

Hi Gents,

Gotta question. I've been planning to go to Florida with my boat and go to the Bahamas. How many days (weeks?) can I have my boat in the water without having barnacle or other problems?

I was thinking I'll be there in the water at least 2 weeks, but I thought I might stay as long as 4 weeks if I'm having a good time. Then I thought, gee, I don't know if that will work.

Any advice?

Garrett

Well, your boat will go a little slower with all those barnicles hanging off, but if you're having a good time what-the hey!

Flush engines & topsides frequitly if you can. Jump in with a drive mask and wipe down hull every few days.

Never done this but noticed with cruisers if you are running the boat regularly the growth has alot harder time sticking to the hull. If it were just going to sit for 4 weeks I'd be prepared to have the gelcoat sanded down when you return. Running regularly and wiping it down about once a week should keep it clean. (see if you can find a haul out to pull it for a day or 2 mid-trip.)

yup ... wipe the bottom once or twice .... If you have never been there ....100' deep water and you can see the bottom ....

It depends on how warm the water is, and how much current is present. The first boat I owned, I put it in a wet slip for a week, to work on the trailer. After three or four days, my brother and I decided to take it out fishing. I couldn't get the boat on a plane. I thought the prop was slipping. Turns out, in just those few days, I had banacles over a half inch tall all over the bottom. It was late in the summer, when the water is warmest (probably around 90 degrees), at the end of a canal, with virtually no current.

Holy moly. That's scary. :(

Pull it for a few hours and brush or spray on MaryKate On & Off. the stuff works like magic for removing crap off the bottom. Just keep checking it while you are there to see how fast the crud is building up.

Thanks for the pointer!

Don't panick just wax it real good before you go,then just wipe the bottom of every few days if you are using the boat .You wont have any probles. Just make sure to wipe the drives good also. Then when you pull it back out just pressure wash it .It will be fine,have a good trip. JOHN

Thanks! My anxiety level is starting to drop. :)