Aluminum Boat from Fresh to Salt Water

I am going to take my Bass Tracker Pro Deep V-17 down to Rocky Point,Mexico.I was there over the Holidays and know that my boat would work down there.We never left site of land,and my boat goes through waves and is very stable.What I am not sure of is,Do you have to do anything to the aluminum boat,or motor to salt water proof it?I also have a galvanized boat trailer,that might need something done,also.The boats down there are pretty crappy,and the one that we were on almost scared me,lol.Any help would be appreciated,Thanks Bruce

Re: Aluminum Boat from Fresh to Salt Water

Just hose it off and flush the motor every time you use it. Put Sharkhide on the hull, if you are really worried about it. It will keep it looking nice.

Re: Aluminum Boat from Fresh to Salt Water

install anodes. if trailering just hose off.

Re: Aluminum Boat from Fresh to Salt Water

Starcraftguy1 said:

I am going to take my Bass Tracker Pro Deep V-17 down to Rocky Point,Mexico.I was there over the Holidays and know that my boat would work down there.We never left site of land,and my boat goes through waves and is very stable.What I am not sure of is,Do you have to do anything to the aluminum boat,or motor to salt water proof it?I also have a galvanized boat trailer,that might need something done,also.The boats down there are pretty crappy,and the one that we were on almost scared me,lol.Any help would be appreciated,Thanks Bruce

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There is a reason they look crappy. You absolutely should wash everything when you come in, but I don't care what you do--salt water attacks anything you put in it. It is just a matter of how quickly.

Re: Aluminum Boat from Fresh to Salt Water

F_R said:

...salt water attacks anything you put in it. It is just a matter of how quickly....

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Just another excuse to make sure you put your boat in a LOT of freshwater right away and very often for 3 or 4 weeks when you get back

Fishing becoming a good excuse to go fishing; I like that!

Re: Aluminum Boat from Fresh to Salt Water

Are you going to hire an armed guard to watch that boat when you're not on it????????

Have you checked mexican law on operating your boat in their waters?

Believe me if the Mexican authorities can find any reason to impound that boat (steal it) they will.

I have friends that have had very unhappy experiences with their gear while in mexico.

American cars are stolen in broad daylight down there every day and are never recovered.

Obviously you've been lucky so far.

Re: Aluminum Boat from Fresh to Salt Water

i don't know if it is that bad, but it is a good idea to make sure your insurance covers you while you are there. or get a supplemental policy.

Re: Aluminum Boat from Fresh to Salt Water

tashasdaddy said:

i don't know if it is that bad, but it is a good idea to make sure your insurance covers you while you are there. or get a supplemental policy.

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Yeah, as I understand, most normal policies are not gonna cover you down there. Sounds like a fun trip though!

Re: Aluminum Boat from Fresh to Salt Water

You guys are scareing me.I go down there a lot.I have never had a bad experiance,with stealing my good stuff that is.I was going to just stay off the shore about 20' and sleep on my boat.I have a few guys that are willing to split whatever the cost to be able to go with me.We have done very well on some good eating fish there.The guys that charter thier boats for the day,can not fillet them properly,we can not understand them,they want half of the catch for them selves.And that is all after we pay.The black sea bass,and grouper that we catch,would be a lot better if I had my boat there.But,I love my boat,and do not want to put her in any danger.The reason for the post.Thanks to everyone,you have me thinking very hard now.Maybe the crappy boats are worth going on now.Bruce

Re: Aluminum Boat from Fresh to Salt Water

Just do your homework very diligently before you do something like that. There are lots of well intended americans in Mexican jails or who've had to pay outrageous "fines" to stay out of jail for some very minor "offense".

Mexican police are notoriously corrupt and are many times working hand in hand with the professional theives that prey on tourists. A few years back the chief of police in Juarez Mexico was busted for running a huge car theft ring never mind that he was on the drug gangs payroll. A new guy was appointed to "clean the place up"... he was promptly murdered.

And you say you plan to stay on your boat??? I'm not sure that would be a good idea either... and where would you find secure parking for your car and trailer?

Have you checked into if it's even possible to buy a fishing license without a Mexican guide?

Can you legally operate your boat in Mexican waters while fishing or doing any other thing with it?

While I realize here we let foreigners do pretty much what they want with little to no impunity I can assure you that few other places in the world do.

The Mexican Govt screams about how we treat their "illegal" workers here... ever read Mexico's immigration policy? I say we should adopt the same policy they have!

Re: Aluminum Boat from Fresh to Salt Water

Yeah, I'd be more worried about the banditos than a bit of corrosion...

Been to Rocky Point many times (20 years ago) and it was nice, but I've heard bad things from others that have gone to Baja within the past few years, killings, stolen vehicles and gear, robbery at gun point. Hopefully Puerto Penasco is still the same as it was years ago.

Check in with this forum (San Diego based) as they have a bunch of guys that fish in Mexico, mostly Baja, but I've seen a few reports from AZ guys going to Rocky Point also.

http://www.bloodydecks.com/forums/baja-mexico-fishing-reports-discussion/

What ever you do, get Mexico insurance on your rig and keep everything in sight , nice shiny things have a way of disappearing down there...

Re: Aluminum Boat from Fresh to Salt Water

Check in with this forum (San Diego based) as they have a bunch of guys that fish in Mexico, mostly Baja, but I've seen a few reports of guy from AZ going to Rocky Point also.

http://www.bloodydecks.com/forums/ba...ts-discussion/

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That is some great advice right there!

Re: Aluminum Boat from Fresh to Salt Water

Use it, keep it clean-lot's of fresh water and you'll be fine.

We FULLLY expect a report!

I want to splash the Whaler there this winter.

Need: good and bad info..

Re: Aluminum Boat from Fresh to Salt Water

Well,my solonoid went out on my Merc 40,probably saved my boat.So,no Mexico for her.Good advice from all the guys.Just enough to make me leave my boat at home.The solonoid thing just made me believe even more,lol.Good excuse for the guys.Till next time,see you all

Re: Aluminum Boat from Fresh to Salt Water

Nah, the solenoid didn't go out..

Your boat just didn't want to go to Mexico.

Really,,, go out and check it, I swear it's working now

Re: Aluminum Boat from Fresh to Salt Water

I use my aluminums in a mix of fresh and salt all teh time. A good hoseing and flushing after any SW use is minimal. Add a brush and some mild soap and the will help loosen dried salt. If /when possable, back the whole boat /trailer into freshwater when you get back. This gives your rig the best flushing of all.

Re: Aluminum Boat from Fresh to Salt Water

fishrdan said:

Nah, the solenoid didn't go out..

Your boat just didn't want to go to Mexico.

Really,,, go out and check it, I swear it's working now

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He's right. The transmission solenoids started acting up in the Suburban on the way to a wedding that we were stuck going to, and leaving a day late for vacation. (Right after full transmission rebuild) Didn't have another issue on vacation. Solenoids are smart.