Good for sea water?

[Trotter]

I have a 2005 15hp Mercury 2-stroke and I was wondering if it's okay to use these out in sea water?

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Good for sea water?

that's what it's made for!

 

[waynehol]

Re: Good for sea water?

Be sure to flush after using with freshwater according to the owners manual. Rinse off the exterior with freshwater also and you should be good to go.

There is also a very good product that I use after each outing.

http://www.saltawayproducts.com/

 

[Trotter]

Re: Good for sea water?

Thanks for the tip!

I'm thinking about planning a trip through the Chesapeake Bay to the Tangiers. Does anyone know if there's a recommended run time for this outboard such as don't go over a certain amount of time of keeping it running?

 

[jasonbailey]

Re: Good for sea water?

As long as you have fuel, oil, and water it should run for long time with no worries.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Good for sea water?

Don't run it for more than about 3,000 hours at a time, actually you may need to change the lower unit oil during that time, but it will run for as long as you wish it to.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Good for sea water?

That's a long way in a 15 hp and I assume matched boat. From Reidsville or Onancock? Anyway if you do it follow the ferry, know the weather, have a VHF, spare gas tank, compass w/ knowledge, flares, lights and 2 days water with you!

 

[Trotter]

Re: Good for sea water?

Yeah, I know it's not the smartest thing in the world but I'm doing my homework on it now. I've read how people have kayaked the distance and it got me interested.

Thanks for the tips guys. I'm thinking if I need to take a lot of spare things like lower gear unit oil, extra gas tank, and etc. I'll have to tow another boat behind me to use as a pack mule. I'm going to buy a small inflatable raft or something to test it out.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Good for sea water?

If you tow another boat as a "pack mule" it will effect your boats handling in wind and weather and greatly increase your fuel usage. Excursions are a lot of fun but better plan ahead and try not to get killed. We've run the entire Suwannee River in Florida from the big swamp to the gulf of Mexico in our 17' canoe twice, great trip, but good to plan ahead!

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Good for sea water?

when you do your homework you will learn that lower gear oil won't do you any good on the water.
Tell us what size boat you intend to take on this 20 mile + journey in open seas? I know, the bay can get as rough as the ocean since it's so shallow.

 

[1stgenbird]

Re: Good for sea water?

Not to be a smarta**, but do you have any boating experience? The questions you have asked; can motor be used in sea water, runtime limits, suggest that you do not or have very little. The trip you mentioned can be daunting for an inexperienced person and I'm sure we all are concerned for your safety and want to see you come back alive.

I don't think anyone has mentioned PDFs. Don't neglect to take along a good one and also give someone your trip plan and make sure they know enough to contact the authorities if you are overdue.

 

[1stgenbird]

Re: Good for sea water?

Not to be a smarta**, but do you have any boating experience? The questions you have asked; can motor be used in sea water, runtime limits, suggest that you do not or have very little. The trip you mentioned can be daunting for an inexperienced person and I'm sure we all are concerned for your safety and want to see you come back alive.

I don't think anyone has mentioned PDFs. Don't neglect to take along a good one and also give someone your trip plan and make sure they know enough to contact the authorities if you are overdue.

Actually that is PFD not PDF, unless you are French then it is a Personal Device de Flotation (said with a French accent).

I would suggest a Type I PFD.

 

[Trotter]

Re: Good for sea water?

Not to be a smarta**, but do you have any boating experience? The questions you have asked; can motor be used in sea water, runtime limits, suggest that you do not or have very little. The trip you mentioned can be daunting for an inexperienced person and I'm sure we all are concerned for your safety and want to see you come back alive.

I don't think anyone has mentioned PDFs. Don't neglect to take along a good one and also give someone your trip plan and make sure they know enough to contact the authorities if you are overdue.

If my time in the Navy counts then yeah I do have some boating experience. Though admittedly I've never traveled in a boat smaller than 36' until now. I've done my research on some lakes and determined that it would be extremely unwise for me to attempt this trip. I've been learning how my boat handles in choppy waters and quite honestly it doesn't look good. It's still not completely out of the question though. I'm asking around because I'm hearing that people Kayak this trip all the time.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Good for sea water?

You still won't say what kind of boat you have, so we can't address this completely. I know your motor and your intended waters. Now that you mention "lakes" I assume you are coming from the west shore and not the Eastern. I am relieved that you find it "unwise" but you are still tempted.

I grew up in this Navy town and can tell you, being in the Navy does not make you a boater. I know brass who can't cleat a line, run an outboard, or swim. My uncle was in the Navy; he learned to swim for the first time when his ship was sunk.

Kayaks can be more seaworthy and stable than motor boats their size and larger, and even canoes. Don't use them as your standard.

A friend of mine when he was about 13 crossed the 20 mile mouth of the Chesapeake Bay (and returned) in a 13' whaler with a 25 or so. The fact that "it can be done" does not make it a good idea. He also got in big trouble when his parents found out!! (busted by sand dollars he found on the other side).

So if you want to keep "asking around", ask here, but tell us what boat you have!!!