The Effect of Brackish Water on a Motor

[Geo2008]

Hi

I am planning to purchase a 1999 boat and motor that appear to be in near showroom condition, low hours, but some of the hours have been in tributaries near the ocean where the salt and fresh water mix together.

The motor hardly has a scratch on it, looks shiny and perfect just like the boat. It has a strong pee stream and cranks easily.

The current owner says that every single time the boat was taken out that he flushed it with fresh water when he got home.

Should the fact that this boat has been in semi-salt water be a concern to me?

What should I look for in regards to potential trouble from the salt in the engine?

Is this a big deal?

Thanks in advance

Geo

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: The Effect of Brackish Water on a Motor

i have boated all my life the St Johns river, in Jacksonville, which is very brackish, keep them clean, and flushed. no problem. corrosion and salt deposts. are what you look for. sounds like you have a properly maintained motor there.

 

[KeyWestBoater]

Re: The Effect of Brackish Water on a Motor

I'm glad to hear that. I boat in the St. Johns. Without fail I always flush the motor first thing when I get back!

 

[Nandy]

Re: The Effect of Brackish Water on a Motor

I boated in brakish water for over 12 years and never had a problem. I will flush all the time.

 

[Dave Abrahamson]

Re: The Effect of Brackish Water on a Motor

I'm strickly saltwater. Like TD says, keep 'em flushed after EVERY trip out....zero problems as far as the salt is concerned. I also like to keep corrosion-x or something of the like sprayed on the motor (under the cowling) to keep down corrosion there as well.

Good Luck!
Dave

 

[fishmen111]

Re: The Effect of Brackish Water on a Motor

I boat brackish here in the James River. Obviously, flush motor but don't forget the trailer. Give it a good rinse along with the rest of the boat. Sounds like the guy did this on yours. Enjoy!

 

[180shabah]

Re: The Effect of Brackish Water on a Motor

To re-re-re-repeat:

Flush it and it will last.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: The Effect of Brackish Water on a Motor

what was the old commercial, flush, flush, flush all your troubles away.

 

[gcboat]

Re: The Effect of Brackish Water on a Motor

Tidy Bowl ????

 

[Geo2008]

Re: The Effect of Brackish Water on a Motor

Thank you guys, the brackish water I was referring to is actually on the St. Johns river.

This is my first boat that is not a canoe or jon boat, so advice from veterans is mucho appreciated.

I found the exact boat that I wanted and the owner seems to be very meticulous and trustworthy, he said the boat is in great/excellent condition and the photos tell the same story.

I am driving 7 hours to go pick it up on Friday or Saturday, I think I have caught the boating bug as I keep dreaming about my new boat! I have wanted one for a very long time but did not want to finance so I have been saving and it will be paid off the moment I pick it up.

I just hope I am a quick learner and don't do something stupid while I am a newbie. Looking forward to doing some fishing, exploring, and hanging out here!

Thanks guys

Geo

Here is a photo, heck Toshasdaddy, if you fish the St. John then you may have seen it before.

PS - Any tip(s) that will keep me from making dumb mistakes are appreciated.

 

[fishmen111]

Re: The Effect of Brackish Water on a Motor

Very nice looking ride Geo! Way to go on the financing too...one payment at 0% interest.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: The Effect of Brackish Water on a Motor

that's a really nice rig.

 

[Geo2008]

Re: The Effect of Brackish Water on a Motor

I think so too.

My wife can't get in the direct sun for too long so the bimini top should make her happy and will make her go out with me more often. I can fish and run the trolling up front and she can relax or hang with her girlfriend in the back under the top.

 

[scoutabout]

Re: The Effect of Brackish Water on a Motor

Beautiful machine -- I bet she'll fly.

 

[Nandy]

Re: The Effect of Brackish Water on a Motor

That boat looks in EXCELLENT shape. DANG!

 

[turfman]

Re: The Effect of Brackish Water on a Motor

My boats never look that good when I buy them!