Moving to salt water - a few questions

2xsl_1998

Member
Jul 4, 2007
85
Wilmington, NC
Boat Info
2012 Sea Ray 230 SLX

2005 Sea Ray 185 Sport - sold
Engines
5.7 L EFI Mercruiser w/ Bravo 3 Drive
Hi guys. I know this has been asked a million times, but I figured I would ask again.

We are due to be moving very soon from a coastal river area that has fresh/brackish water. I have flushed the boat thoroughly after each use with a set of muffs.

Our new home has a boat lift directly on the Intracoastal Waterway and that is where our boat will be used exclusively. I have already contacted the local Sea Ray dealer about installing a connection in the engine compartment to allow flushing the boat after each use with a hose since I won't be able to do it with muffs. Our lift has water available for this.

My plan would be to thoroughly flush the engine and wash the boat down after each use.

Realistically, how long would I be looking to run the boat without changing manifold, risers, elbows, etc.? Any work I had done would be done by the local dealer.

Should I be looking at any other modifications?

Or should I just swap the boat for something like a 240 SDX OB? I would hate to take the depreciation hit on my 230 (and we LOVE this boat!), but if I'm looking at some potentially major expense in a few years that might help rationalize it for.

Anyways, thanks for reading and thanks in advance for any replies.
 
I have a 2006 270 SLX that has been used exclusively in saltwater. Flush the motor well and wash everything down after you take her out each time. The quick connect mount on the top of the motor is a must if you're keeping it in a lift (I can't reach my outdrive when the boat is in the lift). Make sure you have good water pressure at the boat for the fresh water flush. Use a good wash/wax soap (I use Orpine). Keep it waxed regularly (I do once per year). Keep it covered when you're not using it. Take care of her and she'll last.
 
Thanks for the info LawyerMan. I discovered the same thing about my outdrive too once I started looking.....there is no way that I could access it while on a lift. I will definitely be getting the flush connection installed.

So is your boat totally raw water cooled?
 
Thanks for the info LawyerMan. I discovered the same thing about my outdrive too once I started looking.....there is no way that I could access it while on a lift. I will definitely be getting the flush connection installed.

So is your boat totally raw water cooled?

No. I have the 496 Mag that has partial closed cooling.
 
Also check your anodes. Typically you would have used Magnesium on fresh/brackish water and would probably want to use Aluminum in salt water.

-Kevin
 
I know its an old thread. I have a 1987 StarCraft Medallist 1601 with a mercruiser 3.0 liter. That is a 30 year old boat with its entire life in salt water. Flushed after each use. Manifolds replaced once. Boat has over 2000 hours on it. Original alternator, fuel pump, engine water pump and engine. I replaced the starter once and rebuilt the carburetor 10? times over the years. Oh about 4 years ago the thermostat stuck between closed and open so I replaced it. If you flush the engine they will last forever. Boat has been beat senseless. Back in 1998 I had a shifting problem turned out the intermediate shift shaft fouled with salt, mercruiser revised design never had a problem since.
 

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