Saltwater Slip

D

Donald Tyson

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We took a slip for the summer in a salty bay named Barnegat Bay. Its where we first had a boat in 1994 ( a junkie but mechanically sound Mac 25 Sailboat). So it is bittersweet to return to the same marina and be within a slip or two of where it all began for us. During those years we never had corrosion issues with the outboard. Jump ahead 32 years and I launch the 22 C-Dory with twin 40's. And I cant quite get the motors up out of the water. I also cant reach the motor shafts to run salt away through them. Surely there are others with this issue and how do you handle this?
 
I’m not saying it isnt corrosion, but what makes you think it is? Could be battery, trim piston fluid, barnacles, prop/skeg weeds/junk, etc?
 
You can put "bags" filled with fresh water under and then "over" the motors. Some put a pvc membrane lining on the whole slip, either floating or pull the stern part up to over the water's edge, and fill with fresh water. No growth on the boat or motor. Dealing with growth on the "membrane". may go from throw it away at the end of the season to reverse it every few months, and put chlorox in the bath the first time--not marine flora or fundae friendly...
 
Make sure your anodes are the right material for salt water.
 
Most engines have a flushing port either beside the cowl or under the cowl. Owners manual for engine should have this info. This would be a good alternative to using cuffs on the lower unit.
You say you "can't quite" get motor clear of water. If I have a lot of fuel I have similar issue. I keep a couple of cinder blocks on my dock that I can place on the bow that brings the stern up a little. I have a neighbor that puts 2 very large buckets filled with water on his bow that is just enough weight to get the skeg and prop clear.
-Jeff-
 
I agree with the use of hose connection to the blocks as a method of flushing the block. Unfortunately it does not adequetly flush the water pump and adjacent passages. Running them for a few seconds in a bag or container of fresh water will keep these clear--the longer run is still suggested to keep salts and corrosion from building up in the block cooling passages.
 
I pull my boat out every 2 - 3 weeks take it to the car wash and blast all the Green/brown crap off the bottom.
I don't have the can't get the lower out of the water issue;) (even with the anti fouling paint)
 
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