Any concern using a boat in saltwater that has always been in freshwater?

[Gene T]

I am considering the purchase of a 1995 Robalo with a 200hp Evinrude E-Tec engine that has been used exclusively in freshwater. I would be using it only in saltwater and wonder if there are any issues I should be concerned about regarding going from freshwater to saltwater usage.

I will repower but not sure how long that is going to take given the current state of wait times for new motors, etc. but in the meantime would be using the boat with the existing engine.

Bottom line...are there issues significant enough to avoid this purchase?

GT
Cape Coral, FL

 

[Keylargo166]

I am considering the purchase of a 1995 Robalo with a 200hp Evinrude E-Tec engine that has been used exclusively in freshwater. I would be using it only in saltwater and wonder if there are any issues I should be concerned about regarding going from freshwater to saltwater usage.

I will repower but not sure how long that is going to take given the current state of wait times for new motors, etc. but in the meantime would be using the boat with the existing engine.

Bottom line...are there issues significant enough to avoid this purchase?

GT
Cape Coral, FL

Just keep the motor flushed out after every use. Just hook to your water hose and run it for a few min and you'll be fine.

 

[dan t.]

Change your anodes to aluminum, fresh water uses a magnesium anode.
Most of all flush, flush, flush!

 

[Chris1956]

Actually, use zinc anode in saltwater.

Outboards are designed to use in saltwater. Flush it with freshwater if you can. if not don't worry about it.

Make sure to grease the steering rod a couple of times during the season.

 

[dan t.]

Actually, use zinc anode in saltwater.

Outboards are designed to use in saltwater. Flush it with freshwater if you can. if not don't worry about it.

Make sure to grease the steering rod a couple of times during the season.

 

[dan t.]

Actualy that is a matter of opinion, you will find just as many arguments for zinc as aluminum, that being said zinc is fine also.

 

[Gene T]

Thanks for all responses...great info

 

[mike_i]

All good information above, flush motor. Don't forget about the trailer and brakes, rinse, rinse then rinse some more especially if the trailer is painted.

 

[crazy charlie]

QUOTE "Bottom line...are there issues significant enough to avoid this purchase?" END QUOTE; Heck NO !!! This is a best case scenario .Dont be in such a hurry to repower.A motor used solely in fresh water has had an easier life than the same in salt.Tilt and trim components are in waaaay better shape then same used in salt.Same goes for all of the electrical connections.Charlie

 

[Lou C]

Having boated in salt water nearly 20 years I can say I think you're worrying about nothing. Flush it when you can, use the right anodes, etc. Almost all the boats in my harbor, sit on moorings and none get flushed ALL SEASON. Most are older boats, some have been repowered, but year after year they return. So if the boat checks out buy it and quit worrying. If you want something to worry about, do you have dealers that will work on the Etec? Seeing as how BRP quit making them, this is the most significant issue with this purchase.

 

[Gene T]

Having boated in salt water nearly 20 years I can say I think you're worrying about nothing. Flush it when you can, use the right anodes, etc. Almost all the boats in my harbor, sit on moorings and none get flushed ALL SEASON. Most are older boats, some have been repowered, but year after year they return. So if the boat checks out buy it and quit worrying. If you want something to worry about, do you have dealers that will work on the Etec? Seeing as how BRP quit making them, this is the most significant issue with this purchase.

This is a really good point. I've been shopping for a couple months now and it seems like every other boat for sale has an E-Tec on it...the market seems flooded with them. One would think a mechanic with E-Tec skills could make a pretty good living just taking care of all those owning them. The subject of available service is feeding my reluctance.