Salt water

[Doug25freedom]

Have a2011 225freedom fresh water since new , thinking of taking to southern florida next year for the Mo. of February. is 30 days in salt gonna be a problem if I flush the engine each day, it will be docked for the whole month?

 

[JustEnough]

Depending on where you end up docking in “southern florida” will have a dramatic effect on how much growth you get.

There is a reason why you’ll see most boats your size up on the lifts around the canals along the waterways in Fort Lauderdale north & south. A private dock might seem like a good option, but most areas don’t experience the movement of water that marinas right on the intracoastal do.

Beautiful locations but ‘slow’ water will start to see growth in a week. Once you’re around the Keys - you’ll have slime at the end of the month but nothing that will really impact the bottom of your boat.

“Run the boat” sounds like it is not an issue for you and I would say just keep an eye on it - other than that enjoy and just power wash it when you get it home.

 

[Capt Tom]

Funny Grady and saltwater. But seriously if you are going to leave it in the saltwater without bottom paint, pull it at least once a week and clean the bottom. Depending on, you may get a start of barnacle growth and discoloration but it is doable and may require a product like Starbrite Hull Cleaner. I've left my Grady in the water many times for a week and I am able to get it cleaned back up.

 

[Doug25freedom]

Thanks for the input, I do appreciate it. I had the bottom paint done by professionals last fall.There is no lift where it would be docked. It would be in cape coral in the canals.not sure if I’m taking it but I am considering it. Thanks

 

[seasick]

Was the bottom paint antifouling paint? If so depending on what was used (manufacturer and type name) you might be fine.

 

[Doug25freedom]

I’ll check to see what exactly they used & get back to you. Thanks

 

[Fishtales]

If you can't flush, then you can't flush. I'd be more worried about the hull. Depends on the water condition, but you can have growth in a week or two that would require scraping, chemical washing and maybe light sanding. Barnacles are brutal in some areas. Bottom paint if older may require a good power washing and/or sanding to expose a good surface to inhibit growth. If it's old, you may have to repaint. Might be better to rent a boat.

 

[Fishtales]

A decision for me would be is this a salt or freshwater boat - wouldn't be both. Tough to straddle the line and be happy unless you make tradeoffs.

 

[Ky Grady]

Mine pulls double duty,, fresh and saltwater. Love having my own boat with me in Florida to do as I wish. I've stayed in Cape Coral at a VRBO that had a lift, was nice to get boat out of the water since CC water looked like coffee or strong tea at the time. Down in the Keys, she just sits in the water behind the VRBO while I'm there, but we are usually out on it fishing at least every other day if not every day. Granted it's only a week, but have seen no ill effects from it.

 

[seasick]

one other issue to consider is anodes. For fresh water, magnesium is the way to go but in salt water, magnesium will get eaten up in no time. You dock is surrounded by a lot of boats it seems and that raises the possibility of stray electrical currents. That also can eat up anodes quickly..If you have zinc now, they wont work well in fresh water. Aluminum would be a decent compromise for both fresh and brackish waters. Your best bet is to talk to neighbors and see waht they do for both growth and electrolysis

 

[Ekea]

id take it. flush and rinse after each ride. when you anchor up at a sand bar, walk around the boat and give the bottom a once over with a brush.