My younger brother is looking to get his first boat and was needing some help. He lives close to the coast and is worried about salt. He has found an Air Nautiqe and it has an easy flush valve system. The current owner claims that he has not run it in any salt water but did say that the boat ramps in his area tend to be slightly brackish. Also said that he has flushed it every time he pulled it out of the water. He was asking me what to look for as far as damage, but I am not sure. Does anyone have any tips on what to look for, or any advise? I am in new territory when it comes to salt water.
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If its been in salt or even heavy brackish it will develop surface rust on metal parts. Inside and outside the boat. The trailer will also rust from inside the tubes out. Knock on the trailer tubes to find soft spots. Look at the bottom of the tubes and axle. Check the motor mounts for rust as they are low in the bilge. -
Thank you, I will pass the word alongComment
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We run in brackish about half the time. The motor mounts are an easy spot. If it has been flushed and washed every time then it should be fine. The trailer will be toast after a few years no matter how much you fight it. You have to have a galvanized or aluminum trailer if you want to get more than a few years out of it. Living in Florida we do boat year round so we have over 600 hours in 4 years so maybe this is why my trailer has not lasted. I have always had galvanized trailers but this boat came from an Orlando dealer where all they have is fresh water. I have been saving my pennies since the day we bought it to replace trailer with a custom built aluminum when time comes. Our engine all metal parts (except for motor mounts and steering cable) are fine. We replace the steering cable annually.
I am meticulous about flushing and cleaning every time.Comment
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