Can a 1999 SeaRay 190 Cuddy Cabin be used in saltwater?

[cannonb]

I am now in San Diego and am wondering if I can take this boat into Mission Bay and San Diego bay. Since there is saltwater in the bay, do I need to get any work done on the boat before I put it in the water? and I heard the engine needs to be flushed after every use. Is this true?

any tips on maintaining a boat that is run in a bay is appreciated. Previously, the boat has only been in freshwater lakes and my experience is limited to lake use only, I don't know a thing about taking a boat into saltwater. Thank you for your time.

 

[Kevin Smith]

Boating in Salt Water

It sounds like you are trailering the boat. If that is the case you need to wash down everything including the trailer after every use and flush the motor for about 10 minutes. Hopefully your trailer is galvanized our aluminum! You may also want to check the zincs on the drive, trim tabs, etc. If they are in poor shape replace them, if you don't have any you should install some. If you plan to use the boat a lot in salt water you might want to add fresh water cooling if it doesn't have it already.

If you plan to leave the boat in the water for the season, you should consider the pros & cons of bottom painting the boat.

Kevin Smith
Richmond VA
250/270 Weekender 7.4 330 HP, Bravo II

PS Be care of the wind, waves, tides & currents and large ships if this is your first time in salt water and such a large body of water. It can be calm one minute and then very rough, just by the changing of the tide or wind.