Tips for Salt Water

[CW_waterski]

Hey everyone! First time boat owner here looking for some advice. I just bought a 196 and plan to use the boat exclusively in salt water (non negotiable where I live). What steps would you recommend I take before using the boat in salt for the first time?

A few more details. The boat is 20 years old with hull/interior in fair condition. It got a new engine ~10 years ago, PCM 330 HP, which is in great condition with low hours. The boat has never been in salt water. It unfortunately does not have close loop cooling for the block. The trailer is also about 10 years old, good condition, painted steel.

Here's what I'm thinking so far, let me know what you think:

Before first use:

• Inspect trailer for any rust or exposed steel, grind down and recoat with paint
• Remove trailer brakes (boat will be stored less than a mile from launch ramp, will reattach if ever need to take further)
• Coat exterior metal on engine with a marine corrosion guard
• Coat battery terminals with protector grease
• Attach flush kit

Standard cleaning:

• Flush engine after each use with Salt Off
• Rinse trailer, boat, and interior with fresh water

[NautiqueTim]

Spray the engine and transmission with fogging oil to help stop corrosion. No matter what you do, the trailer will fall apart.

[Rednucleus]

Consider changing to a closed cooling system if motor has never seen salt

[JBird97Nautique]

Get a saltwater boat lol....jk but I would plan on replacing the trailer after 2 years. I have done this before with a steel trailer and there is nothing you can do once it meets saltwater. It will be ruined. For the engine, about the only thing you can do is flush it well.......it would be better to drop it in freshwater if you can after each use. Salt ruins everything....I live at the beach as well..

[CW_waterski]

Yeah, I'm basically writing off the trailer. Since it doesn't really need to be roadworthy (never going more than 1/2 mile at slow speed), I'm hoping to get 3-4 years out of it before upgrading to a galvanized C-beam trailer (one purchase at a time on a tight budget...)

Does anyone have any experience with retrofitting a closed loop cooling system? Estimate on cost?

[srock]

Sell the trailer while it has some value and purchase an aluminum or galvanized trailer to replace it. Install an easy means of flushing the engine with a hose. Making the process simple and quick is key. I replaced the cooling hose inlet ball valve with a 3-way valve connected to a hose adapter inlet. I can choose lake or hose with a twist of the valve handle. This brass valve is more reliable than, but not as convenient as, the plastic perko flush system that sometimes cracks.

Other than that, you will quickly find the fasteners and parts made of steel, like the seat slides. May not hurt to hit the electrical wires behind the dash with CRC or WD40 as well as the engine and repeat often. Closed cooling system...I am on the fence as the exhaust risers will still handle raw water. I would maintain the boat then flip it in 3 seasons and start all over.