How long in the salt water w/o flushing motor

jwfoster4

jwfoster4

New Member
May 28, 2007
94
Niceville, FL
Boat Info
270 DA
Engines
454 Mercruiser w/Bravo III Drive
How long do you think I can leave my boat in the salt water without flushing the motor?

I trailer my boat, but need to do some trailer maintenance and repairs. Between work and family, I might have only a few hours each weekend to get it done. I can tie up at a friend's dock, but I may need two weekends to finish everything. The longest I have ever gone without flushing and washing the motor is 3 days on an overnight trip.

What do you think?
 
Years.

my boat lives in a slip in saltwater, and gets flushed once a year when it comes out of the water for a service, it just isnt practical to do anything else. Its 5 years old now, no saltwater issues so far.

I dont think a couple of weeks without a flush is going to cause a problem.
 
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My boat sees saltwater once a year when we tour the San Juans islands. The first year we were in the water continuously for two weeks. I didn't flush it until it was on the trailer and we'd driven home. It was the next day. No issues! The only thing I noticed was that I had freshwater zincs and one was almost GONE! I don't know if I have a problem with one of my Mercathode systems, hit stray current or what. The next year we were in for a week and I noticed the same thing, but now mine are out of synch and I can't remember if it's the port or starboard that seems to wear out faster! And I DON'T have freshwater cooling!
 
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I'm too worried about the outdrive. I've got good alum. anodes and I have a newer B3 outdrive with the extra anode.

Just concerned about the salt water sitting in the motor for more than a week.
 
Don't worry! One week isn't a problem. Like I mentioned, I do one week or two weeks every year and it doesn't get flushed until we're on the trailer and on the Columbia River! Just flush thoroughly when you are done and it will be fine. Some guys will add flush muff and flush in the water. If you have access you can do that, but I think it's harder with the B3's? Those guys don't have a trailer and are stuck in saltwater! One or two weeks won't make a difference.
 
Be prepared to have discoloration on your stainless props and braided lines. I took my boat to Fl and we used it every day for a week. After each day we stored it on a lift. It still tarnished my SS prop and braided lines going into the drive. Not a big deal but it happens quickly.

Good Luck.
 
Why not look into rack storage at one of the local marinas for a month. Sometimes projects can take a little longer than you thought.......Don't ask me how I know.
 
In Florida, in three days you may have barnicles if you are not bottom painted... Other than that you should be ok...
 
rcknecht said:
In Florida, in three days you may have barnicles if you are not bottom painted...
Click to expand...

I have never seen that.....where specifically are you experiencing barnicles in three days????
 
Nacho Boat said:
I have never seen that.....where specifically are you experiencing barnicles in three days????
Click to expand...


Years ago I had a Waverunner that I would bring to Mobile Bay/Gulf and leave it in the water for up to a week at a time in the summer. It would have innumerable small barnacles all over the bottom after 5-7 days. Looked like chicken pox. Fortunately they came off very easily when they were that small.
 
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