Brackish water

[glupo]

Is their anyway to leave you boat in brackish water for the week without taking it out after every use. I plan on using it 5 days a week and would like to drop in. Keep in for the week and thsn pull out and clean off. 02 SAN. Thanks

[swankster]

You going to leave it in the water or is it going on a lift?


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[vvfdfirefighter]

Well, you have three options. The third option you've stated you don't want to do; taking the boat out every day. With that being said the other two options you have are to leave it in the water, literally, or to put it on a boat lift. A boat lift would for sure be the very best option. Especially if you can rinse the boat off while its on the lift. However, if you don't have a lift or the money for a lift you can leave it in the water.

Be aware, leaving the boat in brackish water can and will lead to corrosion of parts. How fast and how much has a lot to do with the steps you take to slow this problem. To limit the amount of corrosion that takes place you need to buy a zinc anode kit. (http://www.nautiqueparts.com/zincanodekit.aspx). This kit has an anode for the prop shaft and rudder. You'll probably also want to pick up some small anodes for each of the swim platform brackets. These anodes will corrode in place of the other hard metal materials.

As for your engine, I would highly suggest to spray it and the transmission down with Gibson Oil each week before putting it in the water. This will keep the outside of the engine, transmission and motor mounts from rusting as much as possible. Sure you can use other things like WD-40 and such but they are not as Superior to Gibson. Find a set of zinc anodes you can thread into your exhaust manifolds. You can thread these into the 1/2" drain plug holes. (Picture Below)

Do you have access to hose water while the boat is being left in the water? It would be a great idea to put a ball valve on your intake thru-hull and a flush kit on the boat. That way after every run out on the water you can shut off the valve, and flush the engine out by running it on fresh water for 5 min or so. Having Salt Water in your engine will rot it out quickly. Unless you happen to have a closed cooling system on the engine already?

[shag]

How 'brackish' is it? I spent many years on the gulf coast of Florida and skied some rivers that led to the gulf... Some times the water was pretty 'freshy' only a mile or two inland... We would even occasionally see a gator our two (although they have been known to go out further in the salty areas of the river). Like above, soak your motor/transmission/mounts (basically everything and get up under the risers too) in WD-40 or the like, (by a small case) and try to run it everyday so water isn't sitting for more than a day.... I left my boats in for a couple days occasionally, following the strict routine, and did not experience any issues (and each boat I had for a few years after, with no problems).... Just my .02 (IF, it's not that salty), I wouldn't think you would need the anodes.... Not saying it isn't a good idea, just for the short amount of time, and if there is barely any salt - you should be ok.... Disclaimer: "salt left to sit will corrode what it sits on"... That said, I have seen salt water nautiques that were cared for better than some fresh water boats...

[vvfdfirefighter]

Disclaimer: "salt left to sit will corrode what it sits on"... That said, I have seen salt water nautiques that were cared for better than some fresh water boats...

Very well said Shag. Also to piggyback on my post. Make sure you wipe down your tower with some WD-40 or similar after each run. Honestly, any chrome or aluminum trim to be exact. That will keep them from corroding, too. If left with salt water on them they will corrode. A well taken care of boat can be accomplished in brackish and salt water. I cringe every time my boat goes in the salt water, however, its the reason I bought the upgraded ZR6 motor with closed cooling. Wiping down the interior with cleaner after each use is pivotal.