long term effects of salt water
10-16-2011 | 09:42 PM
#2
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Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 8,216
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From: St-Hyacinthe, quebec, canada
salt surprised me how bad it can be... even on a recent boat on a lift, flushed...it's not only the engine... silent choice, wires connectors, copper, whinshield frame, gauges....
but that's the price to pay to play in the ocean I guess !
but that's the price to pay to play in the ocean I guess !
10-17-2011 | 02:44 AM
#3
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Joined: Oct 2011
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From: RI wedding DJ
The problem with saltwater in engines is corrosion, mainly if the engine is sat doing nothing, but with saltwater in the cooling system. If the engine is regularly serviced, and is flushed with freshwater when removed from the water or when not used for long periods then you shouldn't have a problem.
10-17-2011 | 10:22 AM
#5
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Joined: May 2009
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From: Chicago, IL; Onekama, MI
My 242 was a salt water boat when I bought it. I had to replace everything. The drive and gimble were rotted out, engine was junk and even the power steering ram was rusted out. I ended up replacing everything from the engine back. I suppose if you really maintain the boat you will be ok but I found out if a boat is allowed to be in salt water and not taken care of it will ruin just about everything. If you do put your boat in the ocean which I'm sure you will, don't stop with an engine flush. Make sure you wash the boat down after every use!
10-17-2011 | 10:55 AM
#6
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,988
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From: Rochester, NY
There are many reasons that "fresh water only" boats command a price preminum over "salt water" boats. I think they've been pretty well articulated here. One that hasn't been mentioned is the effect salt water has on trailers - equally devastating. Yes, there are several products on the market that can help minimize the damage, but they're very dependent on how carefully one uses them.
10-17-2011 | 12:04 PM
#7
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From: Cedar Rapids Iowa, LOTO, Cape Coral Fl.
I will be replacing 100% of the wiring (including the EFI engine harness) this winter at significant cost due to the boat being on/in/around saltwater. It amazes me how corrosive it is.
10-17-2011 | 02:07 PM
#8
Charter Member # 55
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 20,232
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From: Omaha/LOTO
Pics of my old 525sc aluminum intake after 100-200hrs of salt usage with regular flushing.
http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/g...sc-intake.html
http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/g...sc-intake.html
