Question:
I was thinking of using my bass boat in the intercoastal waterway and and canal
systems this year, aside from the bass fishing deal. I was going to try to sell
this boat and buy a bay boat but it would cost me about 10-15k. Now I'd just
have to buy a trailer once this bass boat trailer rusts out. I was wondering if
anyone had any ideas from safety wise and also salt protection for my bass
boat. The boat is 5 years old and in excellent condition. It has carpeting and
I know it might get screwed up also. Any other ideas or thoughts are
appreciated
Answer:
-If you take really good care of it, rinse the boat top to bottom, trailer,
hubs & all, after every saltwater dip, it should be fine for a long time.
If you do sink the hubs, and don't have bearing buddies, repack the bearings
and install them. Do as Bearing Buddy suggests and make sure tha the entire
inside of the hub is filled with grease. Air pockets in the hub are the
root of all evil when it comes to bearing life. If packed correctly and
topped up when needed (check each launch), your bearings will last years
with no trouble.
There may be some items that are not salt resistant marine alloy, things
like the horn (if there is one), and maybe the lights and rail fittings. If
so, replace them as they corrode with better metal, or the new resin/plastic
replacements. Except for cleats, go SS if they need replacing, if you can
afford it.
Take real care to rinse all of the salt off of the engine, especially in the
pivot area and the outside bottom of the power head and tilt/trim area
(these spots are often neglected). Absolutely, positively, flush the engine
with fresh water after each use.
Truth be told, this is pretty much what I do to my salt water ready boat...
It's just good practice and getting the salt off of the metal items is just
good boatkeeping for a trailerboat.
As for safety issues, don't go where the seas are too rough for the boat, in
the ICW, there is little to worry about, just pay attention (Lake O can be a
bear too). Make sure that you have all of the required gear that you should
already have (lifejackets, flares/smoke, fire extinguisher, horn, signal
flag, lights, anchor - you might need a different anchor and more line/chain
here, etc).
