Tige 24v in Saltwater tips?

[Chip]

We have a 24v with a Marine Power 375 HP with the closed cooling system. Wonderful boat all freshwater use to date. We are thinking about using the boat for two weeks in salt water (intercoastal and back bays near Wrightsville Beach NC). We will put it in and out everyday.

Will this use create later problems? Do I need to add a salt water flush kit? What about steering line, trailer, any other potential problems?

Any advice or experience from others will be appreciated.

[CP3]

Unless you have to or you really want to I wouldnt do it.
It decreses the value of the boat because it was in saltwater. I'm not sure about later problems or what you need to do for it.

[walkers2rad]

I always thought that was what the closed cooling system is for. It is rare for a wakeboard boat to have it, I assume that you are sure it does! I would think that it would have to be ordered that way with salt water in mind unless that is the way that particular engine comes.
This does not mean that you dont have to flush the salt out of the heat exchanger, I would think that they would put a tee somewhere where you could do this with a garden hose easily. The final time you use it in salt water I would use some of the anti-salt stuff that you can buy at marine stores just to be sure.
If you have a painted trailer that would be the only other thing I would worry about. The only thing you can do is rinse off all you can daily, but there will be places that it gets into that you cant rinse usually. Maybe you could plug the drain holes if it is box frame trailer and pull them when you pull it out to make sure that no saltwater got in there.
Hope this helps.
IMHO It would not be as much of an issue having been in salt water with the closed cooling system when it comes time to sell it as long as the trailer is not showing signs of rust.
Ray

[Chip]

Thoughts from a dealer in FL

Thanks for the input from all. The closed cooling system was std on the Marine Power 375 hp engine in 2004 I think, and it sure makes winterization a breeze.

Here us what a dealer in FL recommended for salt water:

1. Everytime you finish using your boat flush it and to do so I recommend Overtons Fake-A-Lake Flusher

Fake-A-Lake makes it easy to flush, tune, and inspect your inboard engine, while leaving your boat interior and engine compartment dry. This convenient flusher requires no tools and hooks up easily with a standard garden hose. A heavy-duty rubber cup compresses tightly against the hull for proper suction and a safe, dependable seal. Fake-A-Lake adjusts in height from 17" to 28".

2. Even do you have close system you need to run fresh water.
3. The most important thing is to have it lubricated WD40 a lot!!!! Engine, cables, and all metallic parts.
4. Do not leave in water that will create humidity.
5. Get a lot of fresh water in the seats and clean them.
6. Wash the trailer with a house with fresh water and apply WD40 to the wheels, brakes, etc. everytime after the boat goes in and comes out
7. Get some Armor all on the seats, dash board, etc.
It’s worth 15 minutes after using your boat to keep it perfect

[gman]

just for your info and contrary to belief wd 40 is not an oil or a lubricant. It only acts that way for a very short period. Its really a cleaner. Do not lubricate with wd 40.

[Andrew]

I would check with a local marina and there is some stuff that you will need to spray on the engine and pylon bracket and use all over. I can not remember the name of the stuff. Again the marina should know and should carry it. The most important thing is to wash down everything and flush the engine. Also Do Not Use Armor All on the vinyl, use the 303 Protectant.

Andrew

[switchme]

I wouldn't do it. I've put mine in Salt water twice and will never do it again. It's just way too much work to get all the salt out after use. I also never left it in the water over night but you still have to rinse it every day. Just from that limited use my starter froze up and was totally corroded.

I've seen a 24V that is used mainly in the salt water and the boat is trashed. Lots of stuff has had to be replaced.