Boating in saltwater

[Chappydoc]

I have a 2004 Sunesta 252/Mercruiser 350 Mag/Bravo3 that has always been in freshwater. I would like to go to saltwater in the future, permanently.
What concerns should I have in terms of maintenance? Flushing after each use? Altering the cooling components, etc.? Rust-proofing tips? I would like to spend time cruising intracoastal waterways, and any calm areas around Destin, FL. Any advice would be helpful.

 

[Lou C]

Will it be slipped in the water or dry stored? If dry stored then make sure you have the right anodes for salt water, figure on taking the exhaust elbows off after 5 seasons to see how rusted they are under the rubber hoses because in salt water regular exhaust replacement is normal maintenance. Spray the engine esp the oil pan with Corrosion X or similar, make sure there are no raw water leaks from any hoses because that will cause a lot of corrosion. If you can flushing after each use helps. If you’re going to keep it stored in the water your maintenance will greatly increase. Pull the drive each season to check the bellows, u joints & gimble bearing. Check the gear oil for water each season. In water storage means bottom paint for the hull and outdrive & transom mount. It’s a pain….

 

[Chappydoc]

Will it be slipped in the water or dry stored? If dry stored then make sure you have the right anodes for salt water, figure on taking the exhaust elbows off after 5 seasons to see how rusted they are under the rubber hoses because in salt water regular exhaust replacement is normal maintenance. Spray the engine esp the oil pan with Corrosion X or similar, make sure there are no raw water leaks from any hoses because that will cause a lot of corrosion. If you can flushing after each use helps. If you’re going to keep it stored in the water your maintenance will greatly increase. Pull the drive each season to check the bellows, u joints & gimble bearing. Check the gear oil for water each season. In water storage means bottom paint for the hull and outdrive & transom mount. It’s a pain….

My plan is to keep it dry stored.
I will definitely flush after every use to minimize damage.
I'm not familiar with the different types of anodes; I'll do some research.
It looks like you've had some experience and really understand how to stay out of trouble.

 

[jlh3rd]

I've been researching this also and ,yes, there are different anodes to use depending on the water.

 

[Horigan]

Pure salt water use requires zinc anodes. Pure fresh water requires magnesium. A mix of the two requires aluminum.

 

[Scott06]

Read up on bravo 3 corrosion issues my friend who is in brackish in a marina put a second mercathode system on with transom pucks in addition to the usual one under the trim hose manifold.

Also added a prop nut anode . Does your cav plate have one or two anodes? later ones added a second anode...

 

[tpenfield]

Get yourself the aluminum anodes for the Bravo 3. Since your boat is 2004, I am assuming it has the prop shaft anode, and the dual ventilation plate anodes. (good thing)

Spend the $1500 +/- and switch to a FULL closed cooling system BEFORE the engines see a drop of salt water. Orca or SeaKamp should have a conversion kit for your engine.

Carry fogging oil and rust reformer paint (black) and keep an eye on things.

Anodes will last about 3-4 months if the boat is kept in the water. If you day launch, I would still change out the anodes every year, just to get fresh electrical contacts of anode to outdrive.

Assuming that you do put in a closed cooling system (if it did not already have one), do a de-scale of the heat exchanger every couple of years.

Aluminum or galvanized trailer . . .

That's about it . . . (voice of experience)

 

[tank1949]

I have a 2004 Sunesta 252/Mercruiser 350 Mag/Bravo3 that has always been in freshwater. I would like to go to saltwater in the future, permanently.
What concerns should I have in terms of maintenance? Flushing after each use? Altering the cooling components, etc.? Rust-proofing tips? I would like to spend time cruising intracoastal waterways, and any calm areas around Destin, FL. Any advice would be helpful.

DO not store wet in salt water.