I bought a "new to me" 2004 280SC Powerquest boat earlier this summer that was always used in the great lakes, it's never seen salt/brackish water. Both 496HO engines are fresh water cooled as well. The boat does not have a fresh water flush hook up. I keep the boat on a lift and can not get to the outdrives to flush the engines after every use. Should I have a fresh water hook up installed in the engine hatch area or should I not be concerened? My mechanic said that I will be fine since both engines are fresh water cooled and the only thing I would be flushing is just the risers and manifolds, if I had the fresh water flush installed. I've never had fresh water cooled engines before and I'm wondering if I will see longer life out of my risers and manifolds? Let me know what you guys think. Thanks

It's a no-brainer to put a fresh water flush system in the engine area. Manifolds should be good for the life of the boat. Risers will need to be replaced around every 6-7 years because of the Bay's brackish water. Flushing them every time you come back is also a no-brainer and will lengthen the risers life.

I'd suggest installing a sea strainer. You can flush you motors through the strainer, and it provides the benefit of it's intended purpose.