affects of saltwater on boat?

smpboy · Post by **smpboy** » Sun Jun 19, 2005 10:21 pm

i have just heard rumors of how salt water is bad for my 87 ranger 200 merc. i try to take it to the lake the next day to flush the engine is it really that bad for it or any tips?

Gerryjig · Post by **Gerryjig** » Mon Jun 20, 2005 6:47 am

salt water kills everything.....the biggest concern I would have is all your plumbing / wiring is under your deck and not that easy to get to if you need to fix or replace stuff under there. Then your carpet gets trashed from the salt / fish slime / kelp etc....after a while your bass boat will show the effects bigtime........nobody says you can't do it, and if you're determined to do so....go for it! Just flush EVERYTHING really good! I like to keep my boats nice that's why I own one of each!

....go get 'em!

Ghost · Post by **Ghost** » Mon Jun 20, 2005 8:50 am

I own a saltwater boat as well. After a day on the water I spend at least three hours cleaning it before I store it. I am talking about a boat designed for the salt water. My boat is a 1999 and it has been well taken care of. I pressure wash the damn thing , bleach my decks, use corrosion X, and it still is showing signs of salt water.
In my opinion, if you value your bass boat leave it in the lake. If you want to fish the ocean, look for a cheep salt water boat.

Good luck!

smpboy · Post by **smpboy** » Mon Jun 20, 2005 3:31 pm

thanx its a 87 so iam not real concered about looks although i do need to wash it down better. just mainly worried about the engine

Gerryjig · Post by **Gerryjig** » Wed Jun 22, 2005 5:43 pm

Looks like you'll be stroking some turdrollers and checkerboards!....no probs with the motor, just flush it every time. Where are you fishing in the salt?

Gerryjig · Post by **Gerryjig** » Wed Jun 22, 2005 5:50 pm

check out this site for competitive saltwater bass tourneys.....http://www.saltwaterbassanglers.com/ really inexpensive and the most fun by far for your tourney buck. Pharmer and I are in 9th so far for our first year....next year I'm fishing the circuit with my younger son Nick.

smpboy · Post by **smpboy** » Wed Jun 22, 2005 7:11 pm

newport bay been doing pretty good their lately on spinnerbaits and swimbaits and its a hell of alot cooler than the lakes around here

Steve · Post by **Steve** » Wed Jun 22, 2005 11:22 pm

You need to flush your engine with fresh water immediately after you get home. Otherwise, the salt residue will stay in the cooling system and eventually render it ineffective. Also, you need to get an anticorrision spray, take the cowling off, and spray all engine parts. They sell a special product just for this. Dont think saltwater cant get under the cowling, it can and does.