GT-40 Salt water.... Don't kill me I'm just the messanger

[Swim]

So, some of you know the deal I got on my 99 Closed bow... Well.. I found a friend the same deal.... actually a bit lower in price... 2800 to be exact. 1999 Closed bow, 4523 hours... Boat is in ok condition.. mine is much nicer.. but my friend is more of a "if it gets the job done, it works for me" kind of guy. I'm more of a "it better look nice, run well, and be a good deal" kind of guy...

Now, he lives a block from the saltwater. And I mean... 2 houses... from the salt. I've told him I personally would never put my boat in the salt, but he figures for the price he paid and the hours on the engine... he wants to be able to use it a few times a week. This guy is very detail oriented, if anyone can flush a boat, completely, without missing a spot... every time he takes it out... it's this guy.

The questions....

#1 - Can the GT-40 be run in saltwater? It has aluminum heads correct? Thought those 2 don't mix well...
#2 - I know he can flush well, but I'm figuring he's going to have to flush the engine, the trailer, the floors, the exhaust risers.. am I missing anything?
#3 - 4523 hours... is this some new record?

I should also mention he is waiting for the engine to blow, to buy the Excalibur engine to replace the GT40.


Again, I am the messenger... NOT the OWNER... don't shoot me.

[swc5150]

If he follows #2, he can run it salt water. The salt water will also find its way up to the dash as well, unless he eliminates the speedos and goes with PPSG. It's amazing, but salt just seems to get everywhere. Skiers going from the water to the interior also transfer salt to the upholstery.

At 4,523 hours, he's living on borrowed time, unless the motor was rebuilt at some point? It is evidence of how reliable our PCM engines are, with proper maintenance.

[DanielC]

GT-40 heads are cast iron, like the block.
You will need to modify the engine cradle if you switch from a Ford engine to a GM one. You could option a GM engine in 1999, so Correct Craft made two different engine cradles for the boats. Contact your local Correct Craft dealer to see if the cradle is available. You might try to contact these guys also.
http://superiorboatrepair.com/

[TRBenj]

GT-40 heads are cast iron, like the block.
You will need to modify the engine cradle if you switch from a Ford engine to a GM one. You could option a GM engine in 1999, so Correct Craft made two different engine cradles for the boats. Contact your local Correct Craft dealer to see if the cradle is available. You might try to contact these guys also.
http://superiorboatrepair.com/

Allegedly, SkiDIM has mounts that allow you to install a GM engine in place of a Ford. Probably easier and cheaper than replacing the cradle.