Brackish water

[wakebrd21]

Hi all I need some advice. I have a 97 sport with GT40 and I'm moving from Melbourne FL to Riverview FL (just east of Tampa). I haven't found any lakes within a reasonable distance but there are a few brackish rivers. My boat has only been in fresh water so I'm not sure what to do. Can my boat run in brackish water as is or do mods need to be made?

[sean950054]

I'd suggest adding a fresh water flush to it....very inexpensive and best way to keep any sort of corrosion from happening to the manifolds and risers. Keep boat sprayed down with fresh water.

[shag]

Couple of things. Brackish water has salt in it, period. It will find places in your boat you can't get to. I used to live in Bradenton and rode in several brackish areas down there for years. A freshwater flush is a must. Also, I soaked my motor and anything under the motor cover in WD40 (bought it by the case). WD40 because it's easy enough to clean off, but still protects from corrosion for the most part. If your trailer is painted, it will rust eventually. I was anal about my stuff but things still got some corrosion. Also you will need to be more attentive for floating or partially submerged debris while driving/riding, as even though brackish, still is tidal water.
So don't be discouraged, but you will def have to be meticulous to maintain a pristine boat. There are cool things about riding in those areas too.

[Zach@n3]

Good ideas Shag! My boat was operated in brackish water just south of you in Bonita Springs. It didnt get used much down there because they couldn't get it running so no damage that I could see(I'm sure the owner never flushed it). WD 40 stands for Water Displacement on the 40th try so it makes sense that WD40 will keep water off of protected components.

Flush is a must and there are products out there you can add to the flush water that offer more corrosion protection than just flushing with fresh water. I bet you can find a lot more info on protection over on ocean fishing forums and such.

[pe4me]

My project 205 was in brackish water, Chesapeake bay. Every screw n the fiberglass was sloppy. Now I think the nautiques are built more stout but boats take a pounding in big water. Friends 190 was much tighter with similar hours, older but in fresh water.
Take heed to what the others are saying and flush, wd40, rinse n whatever else. Electrical gremlins hit, but as good as that boat was, all th3 connections were showing the start of corrosion...I don't know that I truly trusted the boat.
Plenty do just my 2 cents, I cringe at the thought but it is reality for many.

[azeus17]

Other option is to sell while it is still salt free and buy one that is already run in salt water. Reality is no matter how anal you are, people will automatically price a salt water boat lower than fresh water. Just an option to think about.