2001 SAN Fresh Water Cooling Option

[Flux]

So me and a buddy are thinking of splitting in on a SAN since we rarely use the boat without the other guy around and want to get a nice wakeboarding V-Drive. Thinking that we can probably afford a used SAN 2001-2003 depending on options, pricing, location, etc.

Just saw a boat that fits our description. 2001 SAN with the GT-40 and fresh water cooling. This boat is located where they would definately use it on Salt Water. We know to avoid salt water boats, but this is a pretty nice ride and has the fresh water cooling option.

My question is (newbie type) what exactly is the Fresh water cooling option?? Is is a radiator cooling system?? Is there still an impeller?? Can it easdily be switched back to regular impeller driven lake cooling?? Are we better off just waiting for a lake boat without the fresh water cooling system??

Thanks in advance...

[efox]

I think what you are speaking of is the kind that draws water out of the lake. A close system is what you are wanting if you are buying a boat that may have been used in a salt water environment.

[Flux]

Yeah efox, I am certainly confused. My guess is that standard cooling is the kind that draws from the lake via the strainer and impeller, so maybe the Fresh Water Cooling option is the same thing??

[NautiqueJeff]

I think what you are speaking of is the kind that draws water out of the lake. A closed system is what you are wanting if you are buying a boat that may have been used in a salt water environment.

Fresh water cooling is the closed system. The other system (that pulls cooling water from the lake) is called raw water cooling.

Personally, I'd stay away from any boat used in salt. There are plenty of other things besides the engine that take a beating in the salt. The electronics, brightwork and trailer all will be affected by the salt.

[Flux]

Thanks Jeff, I checked CC.com and it's listed as an option, thus I thought it might be the closed system. I don't think we are gonna do any salt water boats for equivalent money since we don't ride the ocean or bays. It's a nice boat though, but it's gonna be winter soon and there will be more.

This will be my first boat, so this is a pretty big deal to me, wanna get the right Nautique.

[Rick]

Depending on the hours and care this boat might be OK. The problems will be with the risers and manifolds rotting out due to corrosion as they are not in the fresh water loop. Look at the trailer and ask about flushing the engine. If the engine was still flushed religeously you moght get a better deal on this boat vs a fresh water boat . ALso ask about Zincs Was there one on the rudder and driveshaft If so all of the corrosion should have been directed to the zincs and not the engine and other parts.