Freshwater to Saltwater and Back . . .

[atugwell]

My boat has always been in a freshwater lake. However I would like to take to gulf coast and go on a few near shore excursions and explore the gulf coast area.
I have heard several different versions of "it's no problem, cruiser are built for saltwater" to "don't do it, the corrosion will destroy your engine". I am of the belief that many boats live and thrive in salt water and that with proper rinsing/purging of the cooling system etc their should be no issue with my Rinker 310 FV with two 5.0 Mercruisers and Bravo 2 outdrives.
Any feedback would be appreciated.
thnx
AT

[James S]

Welcome to the forum atugwell.
My initial thoughts would be its no problem to the engines if they're cooled with conventional heat exchangers...I'm no expert.

[TeddyDiver]

Just brush all zinc anodes to make them work again.. in freshwater they get an oxidiced surface easily..

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by TeddyDiver

Just brush all zinc anodes to make them work again.. in freshwater they get an oxidiced surface easily..

They may not be zinc if the dealer knew the boat was being used in fresh water. Worth checking.

Product Catalogue - Marine Cathodic Protection - MGDUFF

Pete