Saltwater to Freshwater Boat Purchase

[OllieC]

Everyone,
Good morning and a Happy Holidays to you.

This is my first post and I did try a search with mixed results on this subject.

I recently aquired an 05 215 Sea Ray Weekender that has been in salt it whole life. However it is a dry docked boat. I know the owner (my dad) and it has been well taken care of (flushed, service, etc.). The trailer needs to be rebuilt because it only moves about 200yds at a time.
Anyway, what should I look for as far as issues? Are there any peventative steps you would recommend to help insure it's reliability for my family? It will be used in freshwater for the rest of it's life which will hopefully be a long and adventure filled one.

Here's the mech specs.
5.0mpi
Bravo III


Thanks,
Ollie

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Saltwater to Freshwater Boat Purchase

I don't know anything about that particualr boat but a 5 year old boat that's been kept out of the water shouldn't have anything to worry about, other than catching up on maintenance. Lucky for you, you have that information.

don't sell the trailer short, either, as long as it was rinsed, too. I'd go put the boat inthe water then take the trailer for a spin and see how the wheels/hubs do without the boat first.

 

[OllieC]

Re: Saltwater to Freshwater Boat Purchase

Thanks for the reply.

The galvanized frame on the trailer is in great shape, it's everything else - hubs, springs, actuator, coupler, winch - rusted to the core - bunks need to be rebuilt. I think the insides of the hub are fine (buddy bearings), but I'm looking at a electric/hydraulic conversion anyway.

 

[Philster]

Re: Saltwater to Freshwater Boat Purchase

You're rolling the dice on the manifolds and risers. If left alone, they could cost you your engine.

I'd replace them.

 

[OllieC]

Re: Saltwater to Freshwater Boat Purchase

I'll check that out too.....

 

[Solittle]

Re: Saltwater to Freshwater Boat Purchase

If the trailer has brakes then they are the most vulnerable to not working at all or locking up due to rust. Disk brakes are almost a must in my book if the trailer is dunked in salt.

 

[OllieC]

Re: Saltwater to Freshwater Boat Purchase

I'm looking at the Titan Disc electric over hydraulic system for tandems. The only bummer is that it says the built in Ford 7pin connector won't control the actuator properly. That was the main reason I bought the truck was for the built in towing module, etc.

The trailer is going to get a complete overhaul.

Looking at the manifolds, I wonder if I have a dry joint? Those aren't cheap.