www.iFourWinns.com

Folks I need some help.

Just moved my 07 V258 from fresh to saltwater. I got the bottom paint covered but have no idea what else am I supposed to do for longevity sake. I did flush the engine with fresh water at the end of the day (does the engine have to be running?) What else is there? Many thanks as I don't want to learn pricey lessons.

The engine needs to be running on a '07 VP equipped boat when it is being flushed; the flush inlet is just before the raw water pump. You need to ensure that it's run long enough so that the thermostat opens so the engine is being flushed, not just the manifolds and risers.

You need the correct anodes; zinc for salt water ( you'd have had aluminium of magnesium ones for fresh water).

Options for improving longevity:

Something like VP's Neutrasalt ( I use it, my manifolds and risers were remarkably rust free after 4 years use in saltwater.)

Closed cooling ( so the engine block, heads, inlet manifold are cooled by antifreeze like in a car). Mine is an aftermarket VP one. Closed cooling equipped engines run a hotter thermostat than raw water cooled ones, so they run at the same temperature as they were designed for; more efficient/ less wear apparently. Raw water cooled ones run cooler to prevent excessive build up of deposits apparently.

Graham

How are you keeping her? On a lift or in the water?

I would make sure to flush the engine - I don't use Neutrasalt, but Salt Away - you can get it at West Marine. Also I wash the complete boat after each trip. ANd if you do keep it on a lift, make sure to also spray the lift...

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Richard - FL - 2005 Vista 248

aahhhh, salt...

Do you any of you guys get that salty, grimey build up on everything? Clean clean clean...

Bottom paint is a great start - but you want to change your anodes as noted already... aluminum will work, but keep an eye on them.

If you plan on keeping the boat in salt long term -- put in the freshwater cooling kit. Takes the hassle out of having to flush all the time -- even though the freshwater cooling doesn't do much for your exhaust manifolds...


In Seattle, there are more boats kept in saltwater than in freshwater... we also still have ALOT of old, wooden boats around. Preventative maintenance is the key.

Stay up on your drive services, anodes, bottom paint, and cleaning and you'll be in great shape!

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2008 318 Vista -SOLD, but I am still around!
All Night Long, Seattle WA

.......and be aware that marine organisms will like to live inside your propellors and parts of the the outdrive ! "Bottom paint" suitable for use on the outdrive ( i.e. the same as for aluminium hulls) is a good idea, but nowadays they are tributyl tin free and are so environmentally friendly they don't do much (unless you have access to some potentially illegal additives )

Graham