Saltwater with inboard

[burgleshams]

Do you have bottom paint on that hull? 2 weeks could allow growth on the Hull and the outdrive. Also make sure you have proper anodes in all places.
Check bilge pump(s), make sure your batteries are fully charged in case of rain and bilge pumps killing batteries then sinking the boat. Good water proof cover.

I wouldn’t do it.

Thanks for the input.

I do not believe the bottom is painted, no. Just an annual gel coat (and other winter maintenance/detailing) before it goes in the water every Spring. The boat would likely be used at least every 2nd day while it’s in the ocean, if not daily. Flushed/washed at the ramp when it comes out of the ocean and trailered straight back to freshwater marina slip.

I do have a full waterproof(ish) cover, we keep it covered 100% of the time it’s moored at our marina on the lake. Rain isn’t really a big concern in this area in the summer, typically very dry in July/Aug.

I installed a 2nd battery and switch last winter and the other battery was replaced the year prior. Never had either die on me and I try to switch between them each outing to retain charge.

Thanks for the tip re: anodes. Will investigate that and make sure it’s taken care of.

 

[burgleshams]

There's a number of reasons why this won't be a problem for you, even without bottom paint, to use it in salt for a couple weeks.

1) The colder the water is, the less active it is in terms of how fast things grow.
2) It's not just going to be "sitting" in the water - you'll be using it - which means less growth
3) I routinely put bare-bottomed boats in salt water up on the coast of Maine for 2 or 3 weeks at a time. The worst I've ever seen after a few weeks is a bit of a scum line.
4) Any growth you "might" get would a tiny, tiny amount of soft growth - easily comes off.

Go for it and have fun! Rinse well when you're done, that's all.

Thanks a lot, appreciate it.

Avg water temp here in summer is 51-53°F (11-12°C). On a really warm day in Aug it’ll hit 55°F near the shore, but I wear a drysuit these days for diving here…. so I assume this still counts as cold water..?

absolutely will not be sitting at the dock all the time it’s in saltwater. We’ll likely use it daily during that time or at least every sunny/calm day. Plenty of time above 4500rpm too…

Your reply gives me more confidence though, it sounds like anodes is the only thing to take care of in advance and then a good flush/wash. Cheers!

 

[Espos4]

Thanks for the input.

I do not believe the bottom is painted, no. Just an annual gel coat (and other winter maintenance/detailing) before it goes in the water every Spring. The boat would likely be used at least every 2nd day while it’s in the ocean, if not daily. Flushed/washed at the ramp when it comes out of the ocean and trailered straight back to freshwater marina slip.

I do have a full waterproof(ish) cover, we keep it covered 100% of the time it’s moored at our marina on the lake. Rain isn’t really a big concern in this area in the summer, typically very dry in July/Aug.

I installed a 2nd battery and switch last winter and the other battery was replaced the year prior. Never had either die on me and I try to switch between them each outing to retain charge.

Thanks for the tip re: anodes. Will investigate that and make sure it’s taken care of.

If you’re heading right back to the fresh water, I wouldn’t even bother flushing it on the salt water ramp. Just dump it back in fresh water and go for a ride.

2 weeks in salt water with frequent use is a “non issue” just go have fun!

 

[copb8tx]

Don't neglect your trailer, especially if it isn't aluminum. You should be spraying it with Salt Away as well after launching and retrieving the boat. You should pay special attention to the axles, springs and brakes regardless of the material the rest of the trailer is made with. Don't neglect the winch and coupler as well.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Thanks a lot, appreciate it.

Avg water temp here in summer is 51-53°F (11-12°C). On a really warm day in Aug it’ll hit 55°F near the shore, but I wear a drysuit these days for diving here…. so I assume this still counts as cold water..?

absolutely will not be sitting at the dock all the time it’s in saltwater. We’ll likely use it daily during that time or at least every sunny/calm day. Plenty of time above 4500rpm too…

Your reply gives me more confidence though, it sounds like anodes is the only thing to take care of in advance and then a good flush/wash. Cheers!

Yup - that counts!

You'll want to have Al anodes - that kind works in both fresh and salt water, whereas the other kinds (Zn or Mg) can either not protect or overprotect - both resulting in corrosion. If you're not positive that's what's on there (check maintenance history?) then go ahead and replace them. They're inexpensive and easy to do. Generally speaking, for the future, you replace them when they are about half-way eaten up. FYI, if the maintenance history shows "Merc" brand anodes, those are Al.

In my opinion, the best brand is Performance Metals. Second best would be Merc's stuff. Next would be the stuff you buy from websites like boat zincs. There is a difference in formulation - by no means are all anodes created equally.

 

[Soulshine]

You’ll be fine, don’t worry about it.
View attachment 118150

I'll bet that shaves off a knot or two of hull speed.

 

[Creekwood]

Don't neglect your trailer, especially if it isn't aluminum. You should be spraying it with Salt Away as well after launching and retrieving the boat. You should pay special attention to the axles, springs and brakes regardless of the material the rest of the trailer is made with. Don't neglect the winch and coupler as well.

This^^^^.
Ideally right after you launch the boat in the ocean, make sure you rinse off as much of the trailer as you can with fresh water. That includes all the stuff @copb8tx said and if you can, run some water inside the frame rails if there is any way to do that. The best way to do it is to dunk the trailer in fresh water.

When I lived in Nova Scotia, a buddy of mine had an I/O boat that he used in the ocean all the time. He had a galvanized roller trailer, but his routine after every trip was to take the boat on the trailer to a local lake with a launch ramp. He would back the boat and trailer in the lake and, if he had time, launch it and take it for a quick spin to run fresh through the engine. If he didn't have time, he would just let the boat run on the trailer for a few minutes while the trailer sat and soaked. Then he would take it home and hose off all the parts of the boat and trailer that still had salt on them.