saltwater

[dgs119]

Alright I just bought a new boat and live in the NW. I have a Four Winns
H190 and I believe the trailer is painted not galvanized. It is a Four Winns trailer.

My question is I would like to take it out on Puget Sound (saltwater) however I always hear horror stories about saltwater and how harsh it is on your boat and trailer. Any tips or suggestions? I will flush the engine after every use and spray down with the saltwater cleaner solution. How about the trailer since it is not galvinized? How much damage can it do to my boat, engine and trailer if I do 5-10 day trips out in Puget Sound each year?

Tips, ideas, suggestions, would be appreciated. Just want to keep my new baby in tip top shape!

Thanks,

 

[synergy141]

Re: saltwater

make sure your zincs are in good shape.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: saltwater

If you flush the motor with freshwater after each use, the corrosion damage due to salt water useage, will be non-existant. Hose off the motor block each time as well. Make sure you rinse all portions of the trailer, inside the pipes and out.

All of the salt water damage on a boat is due to keeping the boat in saltwater. Trailering eliminates this issue.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: saltwater

spraying clean motor block with WD-40 sure helps. keep it clean. the rest of it. rinse, rinse, then rinse again. ours is in the salt water for the month of August, every night we wash down the the upper to keep it clean, and wash the sticky salt off. that way we have a clean boat for the next day. then when trailer everything is flushed, and washed down.

 

[dgs119]

Re: saltwater

Thanks for the tips. When spraying the motor with WD40, just spray directly onto the motor or spray on a rag and wipe down the motor? Is there anything the WD40 should not get on?

 

[mhlbnghm]

Re: saltwater

If there is a freshwater lake nearby, back the boat in it and take a quick spin. That will flush the engine and also wash-down the trailer fairly well. I'd be more concerned about the trailer than the engine - the late model engines are designed for both.

JMB

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: saltwater

just spray, WD 40 dissipates water.

 

[gss036]

Re: saltwater

If you use the trailer in saltwater, you will eventually get rust, even the galvanized ones rust, I know mine does. Your biggest concern will be flushing the brakes, if you have brakes on the trailer.
A lot of people here are replacing or ordering aluminum trailers. Brakes are still a problem, get Stainless Steel parts if available, they cost more but last a lot longer.