Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by souweine on 08/20/12 - 6:58 AM

Hi! I live in Western NY, and my 64 Nauset has lived its whole life in the freshwater. A couple of years ago I upgraded the motor to a 2005 merc 90hp 4stroke.

I am originally from Cape Cod, and this Labor day weekend I am thinking about taking the boat there to use over the weekend. It will be a used from the trailer, not left overnight in the water, and I have easy access to a hose to flush everything.

Is there anything I should be aware of in terms of protecting everything?

I am assuming that I should rinse everything copiously, ear muff the engine and flush out any saltwater..... Thanks for the help!

Joshua

Posted by HavaBass on 08/20/12 - 7:26 AM

Obtain a Salt-Away cleaning kit. It includes the in-line hose fittings for application.

After launching, don't forget to spray the trailer.

I recommend Vessel Assist membership, pretty cheap insurance if you go often.

Observe the marine radio weather data

Bring sunglasses cleaner/cloth

Have fun!!!

Posted by Phil T on 08/20/12 - 7:42 AM

Having spent 10 years boating in salt water I can say a good 10 minute flushing and a good hull rinse is all you need to do.

Edited by Phil T on 08/20/12 - 7:45 AM

Posted by tedious on 08/20/12 - 8:14 AM

For a weekend, you really needn't stress over it, and I certainly wouldn't go the trouble of Salt Away and installing fittings on the motor. In your circumstances, I'd just use it, and I wouldn't even bother with rinsing the boat and trailer and flushing the motor until before you head home, or if that's not convenient, it'll get rinsed when you throw it back in the lake. It's not going to disintegrate with the first whiff of salt.

On the other hand, if a daily rinse / flush gives you a chance to stand around talking with friends while enjoying a beverage of your choice, go for it!

Tim

Posted by geoellis on 08/20/12 - 8:39 AM

Understandbly, fresh water boaters fret over the effects of salt water. However, consider that untold numbers of boats/engines survive many years in a salt water environment and some with little to no preventive care.

I agree with tedious, only worry about it on the trip home.

Posted by CES on 08/20/12 - 8:39 AM

tedious wrote:
For a weekend, you really needn't stress over it, and I certainly wouldn't go the trouble of Salt Away and installing fittings on the motor. In your circumstances, I'd just use it, and I wouldn't even bother with rinsing the boat and trailer and flushing the motor until before you head home, or if that's not convenient, it'll get rinsed when you throw it back in the lake. It's not going to disintegrate with the first whiff of salt.

On the other hand, if a daily rinse / flush gives you a chance to stand around talking with friends while enjoying a beverage of your choice, go for it!

Tim

X2

A few dips over the weekend isn't going to kill the boat and trailer..... just rinse it when you can.

Posted by egerrity on 08/20/12 - 9:26 AM

I agree with the above comments and advise. I would be a bit more concerned with the trailer... if the salt gets into the feel rollers and wheel bearings you are going to have issues. Flush well and add more grease after dunking the wheels.

Posted by souweine on 08/20/12 - 10:16 AM

Thank you guys! My father-in-law tried to scare me. I started worrying about having the right kind of anodes, blah, blah, blah. I will splash her around... and rinse her off. Easy enough.

Maybe we'll get some photos of her first briny swim!

Posted by zappaddles on 08/20/12 - 1:39 PM

#10

To really give the trailer and motor a thorough rinse stop by a freshwater lake or river on the way home and go for a spin. I back my trailer back and forth several times in freshwater after saltwater use.

Zap

Posted by Mtierney on 08/20/12 - 7:23 PM

#11

If trailering from NY, grease the trailer bearings just before putting in. The theory goes that during the haul, the grease heats up and expands, leaving some space. When you put it in, the cold will cause the grease to contract and "suck" salt water into the hubs. I'm not sure I believe that, and I usually grease when I get home to force any salt water out, but that is the theory passed on by some with more experience than me.

Posted by Karlow on 08/20/12 - 9:38 PM

#12

A few things, add bearing buddies. That will solve the wheel bearing concerns. Make sure they are pumped before you leave the house, and you are good. If you over pump them, you will blow out the seals on your hubs. Wash down after each trip. Wash down the trailer, it is the most important concern. Run the motor for a few min on the muffs use salt-away. Anything else is gravy.

Posted by awayland on 08/21/12 - 3:50 AM

#13

Like the others said grease up before and after. Bearing buddies are great! I keep an extra hub and bearings ready to go all packed with grease in my truck on long trips. I just did 800 miles into Maine and back last week with no problems. It was the 3rd time that trailer did that trip. Also make sure your hubs and tires are cool every stop and not over heated and do not put hot hubs in the water.