Hi,

My husband and I own a 1989 Thundercraft with a inboard 250hp Mercury Cruiser
motor that has only been run on fresh water. We just moved about 15 minutes
from the ocean and would like to use the boat in the bay. We've been hearing
both pros and cons about putting it in salt water. The boat is in very good
condition and we really don't want to ruin it so we're looking for advice.
What do we need to do to make this boat ocean ready? Do we need to flush out
the engine every time we use it? Is there anything we can do/add to the
engine so it doesn't need to draw in water to cool it?

Thanks!

On Sat, 29 Dec 2007 01:13:42 GMT, "chloe5759" u40229@uwe wrote:

we really don't want to ruin it so we're looking for advice.
What do we need to do to make this boat ocean ready?

If you are going to trailer it, not much. If you are slipping it,
then barrier coat and bottom paint are necessary depending on the
slip's water conditions, etc.

Do we need to flush out the engine every time we use it?

It's not a bad idea to do it every time even if you slip the boat.
It's not a complicated procedure, easy to do and it will help. There
are various chemicals you can add to the flush, but in general, it's
not necessary - just throw on a set of muffs, hook up a fresh water
hose and have at it. Doesn't take long at all.

Is there anything we can do/add to the engine so it doesn't
need to draw in water to cool it?

Others have mentioned closed loop fresh water cooling systems and the
fact that they are pricey. Raw water systems are fine if you take
care of them.

As long as you trailer it you will be fine. I'm guessing you really mean a
mercrusier IO aka inboard/ourboard. If you plan on keeping it in the water
full time it is really not suitable for that. You will see others do it but
it is hard on them. Some people will suggest converting to a closed cooling
system but that only cools the parts that are not really affected as much by
the salt water anyway.

"chloe5759" u40229@uwe wrote in message news:7d6323f377ad7@uwe...
Hi,

My husband and I own a 1989 Thundercraft with a inboard 250hp Mercury
Cruiser
motor that has only been run on fresh water. We just moved about 15
minutes
from the ocean and would like to use the boat in the bay. We've been
hearing
both pros and cons about putting it in salt water. The boat is in very
good
condition and we really don't want to ruin it so we're looking for advice.
What do we need to do to make this boat ocean ready? Do we need to flush
out
the engine every time we use it? Is there anything we can do/add to the
engine so it doesn't need to draw in water to cool it?

Thanks!