Salt Water OK?

[leo111]

So my 2002 Seadoo Islandia has only been in fresh water it's entire life....

I am contemplating taking my boat to Chincoteague Island for about 3-4 days. This obviously means that I would be putting it in salt water. The boat would be docked during the time there, staying in the water for the entire 3-4 days.

Is this Ok??? What preventative maintenance is there prior to going that I should do? What do I do when taking it out of the water when leaving?

Or, should I just bag the trip - which is fine - the family I am meeting there has a small boat there that is always been in salt water. But, between his family and mine we would never all fit on his boat...

Any thoughts are appreciated!!

Thanks,

Leo

 

[Racereddie]

So my 2002 Seadoo Islandia has only been in fresh water it's entire life....

I am contemplating taking my boat to Chincoteague Island for about 3-4 days. This obviously means that I would be putting it in salt water. The boat would be docked during the time there, staying in the water for the entire 3-4 days.

Is this Ok??? What preventative maintenance is there prior to going that I should do? What do I do when taking it out of the water when leaving?

Or, should I just bag the trip - which is fine - the family I am meeting there has a small boat there that is always been in salt water. But, between his family and mine we would never all fit on his boat...

Any thoughts are appreciated!!

Thanks,

Leo

The boat should be fine, when you get it out of the water make sure you rinse down the whole boat, the outside of the jet pump and from inside the grate (under the boat). Hose down the inside of the engine compartment (not the engine but the lower hull) then spray the engine and pump with WD-40. You could even buy some Salt Away or other product. Also connect the hose to the engine and let the water flow through the engine then start it up, run it a bit, shut it down and let the water flow some more. . Before you go make sure your anodes (three of them, bucket, rudder and nozzle) are in good shape.

Also make sure you hose your trailer down, including the hub and the breaks really good.

Make sure you bilge pump works well, it should work even if your battery is turned off at the switch.

Remember it is a SEA Doo:willy_nilly:

 

[RFoster130]

:agree: Occassional salt water use is really no big deal if you take care of it afterwards.

 

[leo111]

Thanks guys, I guess I'll be off to Chinoteague Island in a few days....

 

[Phildoo]

Yea it will be totally fine. Salt damage is over an extend period of time. I presoak my engines with wd40 before and after rinse.

 

[waterblue44]

For PWCs only, not Boats - Start your engine first, then turn on the water. Shut off the water when finished flushing, then stop the engine. DO NOT "let the water flow some more" with the engine shut down!!!

 

[Racereddie]

Racereddie said: "Also connect the hose to the engine and let the water flow through the engine then start it up, run it a bit, shut it down and let the water flow some more."

Start your engine first, then turn on the water. Shut off the water when finished flushing, then stop the engine. DO NOT "let the water flow some more" with the engine shut down!!!

PLEASE remember that this a MERCUY Engine, which you NEVER...NEVER run without the water turned on first. Listed below are three areas of the 240hp EFI manual. I stand by my statement.


Page 1B-8 of the Mercury Manual
CAUTION
Never start or run the Jet Drive without water circulating through the cooling system
to prevent damage to the unit.

Page 1D-26 of the Mecury Manual

WARNING
DO NOT run engine on flushing kit above idle speeds. Damage to engine from overheating, due to lack of water supply may occur.

1. With “engine off”, remove flush adapter plug and attach water hose.
2. Turn water hose “on” and flush engine block for a minimum of ten minutes.
3. Remove water hose from flush adapter and install adapter plug. Tighten plug securely.
Place flush adapter into adapter bracket


Page 1B-7 of manual
Flushing the cooling system is essential after each use in salt water, after the boat has run aground, or when the overheat warning horn sounds (possible debris in jet powerhead).
1. Locate the flush adapter in the boat. Some boats may have the adaptor mounted in the hull or mounted in the engine compartment. Remove flush adaptor plug and attach water hose.
a - Flush Adapter Plug Mounted on Hull
b - Flush Adapter Plug Mounted in Engine Compartment
2. The engine may be run using the Flushing Attachment: DO NOT run the engine above
idle speeds.
3. Turn water on and flush engine block for at least 10 minutes.
4. Remove water hose and install flush adaptor plug.
5. Flush outer surfaces of pump with water stream.