New to me Bennington 185L

[dangier]

Hello to all-great forum. Newbe here. Just purchased a 2003 Bennington 18' with a Mercury 40 and Load Rite trailer. Overall in very good shape with only some mildew stains on the furniture and nice/clean bimi top. Simple Green seems to work well-gets most of it. Plan to Armorall as the vinyl is somewhat dry. Engine seems to run very well (after replacing old gas). As I was working on it, I noticed a water drip from the rear of the left pontoon at the end of the bunk that didn't go away. Thought dam!-hole in pontoon-expensive fix. PO had stated "no holes in pontoon" and I did not feel any wet spots. After jacking the pontoon off the bunk, there was a nice neat round hole about 1/8th" (think drilled?), in the bottom at the end of the bunk. Would corrosion leave a jagged hole? Looks to be an easy fix. Question-after draining the water (about 10 gallons) by opening the vent, discovered the water was salt water..... Do I need to do anything to remove the salt water residue from inside of the pontoon? Will it continue to hurt anything in the future? Now the bigger question-did I get a good deal for $4800?
Thanks in advance.
David

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: New to me Bennington 185L

I'm not an expert on toon repairs, but I think I would run some fresh water in the vent for a while and then let drain for a few days prior to the repair.

Assuming everthing else is ok, I think you got a pretty good deal.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: New to me Bennington 185L

Prices vary, depending on where you live, but in my book, $4800 for an '03 Benny is a good deal, unless of course it was trashed. As far as the toon leak goes, I would flush it a few times with fresh water. I wouldn't want any salt residue left in there. Congrats on your new purchase.

 

[dangier]

Re: New to me Bennington 185L

Is there anything I can add to the fresh water to absorb the salt faster or just fill and drain a couple of times?
David

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: New to me Bennington 185L

I'd just put some fresh water in and drain it. And stay away from the ArmorAll. Bad stuff on vinyl that's exposed to the sun/elements. 303 protectant and other products sold at marine outlets are a much better choice.