Fresh water boat in salt water?????

[Jim Parson]

I have a Chaparral 230SSI with a 350 mag I/O that is used in fresh water....Can I use it in salt water for a week or so without any problems? What kind of preperations should be taken? What needs to be done after use? If I want to keep in the water for the entire week will that add to any problems? Any suggestions would be great.

 

[DJ]

Re: Fresh water boat in salt water?????

Should be no problem whatsoever.<br /><br />Saltwater is extremely corrosive. You may want to spray a fine mist of WD-40 on exposed metal parts.<br /><br />Make sure you flush the engine, run until up to operating temp, after you pull it out.<br /><br />Wash down the trailer thoroughly after both dunkings. Pay special attention to flushing out the trailer brakes, if you have them.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Fresh water boat in salt water?????

If the boat has never been in salt before I would get some salt terminator or salt-x and use it to flush the motor when you are done.You can also spray the motor with it but it is probably overkill.Charlie

 

[Solittle]

Re: Fresh water boat in salt water?????

Jim - Make sure that you thoroughtly wash the hull when you you pull it out of the water. I am in Miami and boat in the Keys a lot. There are places there where barnacles will start to grow in that short a period. The hull will start to feel like sandpaper. Fresh water will clean them right off if done promptly.