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My husband and I just bought a new boat. It is our first boat and we live near salt water and only take it in salt water... i was wondering how often you have to flush out the bilge. I have been told to flush it out after everytime you take it out, and then i have been told to only flush it out every now and then... if i could have someones expertise i would really appreciate it.
The outboard motor should be flushed out after every use when you return to dock with fresh water.
While you have the hose out, spray the boat down too just to remove some of the salt.
Just good practice...
This what I do: if I have the boat on trailer and bring it home then back the next day i.e. Saturday and Sunday. I unplug the sump (or drain) on the way home then give it a quick fresh water wash down. The next day put the drain plug in!! [I think all small boaters have forgot to do this at some time] and wait to flush the engine, till I'm going to but her a way for the rest of the week.
I see no need to flush the engine if you are going to use it again in 12 Hrs.
If you're running your boat in salt water and you're pulling it out of the water, yes...you should flush your motor with fresh water every time you pull her out. You have to get that salt out of it as soon as possible. If you don't, corrosion will set in more quickly than had you flushed it with fresh water on a regular basis. Even if one keeps their boat in the water, if able, they should tilt their motor up and flush it with fresh water and rinse down the outside of it.
Cliff
1966 13' Sport with a 1993 40hp Yamaha 2 Smoker
Agreed!!! If you wash and flush immediatly when pulling nothing has a chance to stick. I run my boats about 95 to 5 salt and swear by fresh water wash always no matter what and a wipe down of all motor parts every couple trips with Corrosion Block, non conductive oil on all electrical and motor parts. You will have a salt boat that looks like a fresh boat many years from now. The mechanics don't like the oily film but they like no corrosion and all the parts come apart and stay lubricated. Best product I have found to keep corrosion at bay. Just my 2 cents!!
very true...I ran fresh water line out to dock-quick spray in & out of the boat, run thru ear muffs, Then spray outside of motor--looks good for a l-o-n-g time...Rich
