Retrofit a closed loop cooling system

[MikeC]

Has anyone ever done a retrofit of a closed loop cooling system on a ZR4 freshwater cooled engine? Are there upgrade kits available? It looks like I may be moving my boat to the coast and rather than buy a new boat I'd rather do what I can to protect what I have (2017 GS22). Thanks in advance.

[gary s]

Since Correct Craft took over,Pleasurecraft does like talking to retail trade. Call someone like Skidim since they might have more experience with retro fits than say Nautique Parts who mostly deal with freshwater boats. If they don't know they will be able to call to find out. A Pleasurecraft kit would come with instructions -at least they did with Fords. If on the wild chance PCM does not do them anymore there are other companies who supply parts like header tanks and heat exchangers. Not sure about the newer engines but the older ones <2000 are only half systems- the complete exhausts,manifold and riser are still raw water cooled.

[bturner]

Typically the exchanger is only part of a Saltwater Series boat. IDK what all is added to the Nautique Costal Edition boats but from what I can tell they add anodes to various underwater running gear, SS gas shocks and probably several other saltwater specific areas as well. I hate to say it but you'd probably be better off selling and getting something that has been set up for saltwater than trying to convert what you have.

The Nautique site really doesn't tell you much, at least from what I saw very quickly but the MC site has more detail. I would expect Nautique would be just as thorough. Could you do all the changes? Sure but some of it I would think would not be the same or would be done as thoroughly as a boat built from the factory for saltwater.

https://www.mastercraft.com/saltwater-solution

[charlesml3]

The Coastal Edition option is actually one of the better bargains when it comes to options. It goes with all stainless steel gas springs, semi-closed loop cooling, deck drains and all of the sacrificial anodes. It only adds about $1100 to the boat to order it that way.

Given that, a lot of dealers only order CE boats, even if it'll never see salt water.

-Charles

[srock]

If I was not in salt I personally would avoid the closed loop system just to avoid the heat exchanger and the problems that can come with them.

[NautiqueJeff]

The Coastal Edition option is actually one of the better bargains when it comes to options. It goes with all stainless steel gas springs, semi-closed loop cooling, deck drains and all of the sacrificial anodes. It only adds about $1100 to the boat to order it that way.

Given that, a lot of dealers only order CE boats, even if it'll never see salt water.

-Charles

This is very true. I order all of the PN boats as Coastal Edition boats because the option cost is minimal and the options allow for future users to use the boats in salt water without too many issues. White Lake also orders most of their stock boats this way for the same reason.

[charlesml3]

Yep. It wouldn't surprise me to see Nautique drop the Team Edition for all of the boats and just make them all Coastal.

[gary s]

Any one know if Nautiques Coastal boats have all their metal underwater gear,rudder,thru hulls,strut etc bonded? Are they using tinned wire in their wire harness? Shaft,rudder,thruster's and NSS have zinc's? Just curious- 1100 a boat would be a steal and well worth it even if you are in fresh water like Jeff. Fresh water on 4 cylinder Mercruiser engine alone is over 2K

[dav12321]

gary s My 2010 210 CE has a zinc on rudder, shaft and each tracking fin.

[gary s]

That's great- how about bonding?

[MikeC]

Any one know if Nautiques Coastal boats have all their metal underwater gear,rudder,thru hulls,strut etc bonded? Are they using tinned wire in their wire harness? Shaft,rudder,thruster's and NSS have zinc's? Just curious- 1100 a boat would be a steal and well worth it even if you are in fresh water like Jeff. Fresh water on 4 cylinder Mercruiser engine alone is over 2K

I highly doubt they're using tinned wire in their harnesses. All of the underwater gear is bonded. The engine is a separate option that's not included in the $1100.
Here's their list:

• Hardware Bonding System with Sacrificial Anodes
• Anodized Aluminum Structural Components
• Freshwater Engine Flush System
• Coastal Engine Upgrade Required
• Stainless Steel Gas Springs

[bturner]

I thought all marine rated wire was tinned. I'd be surprised if a boat like a Nautique wasn't.

What's the difference between marine wire and regular wire?
Beyond being tinned, marine cable is larger than say automotive cable at the same size. So, 6 AWG marine cable contains more copper than 6 AWG automotive cable. The more copper, the better the current carrying capacity of the cable. Marine cable also carries a pliable and durable PVC jacket.

[gary s]

In the past they did not,maybe one of the reasons people have to run new wires to the dash? With all the new electronics now days I'd be disappointed if they didn't.