Salt Water Worries

[Maynard Rupp]

My entire boating life, (I am 64), has been spent on the fresh water of the great lakes. We now have a 1986 36C. What a perfect boat. I do wish it had diesels though. We are thinking of moving it to Biscane Bay Florida. Both of our sons have taken new jobs and moved down there. My concern is properly preparing the boat for the ravages of salt water. Will my VC-17 bottom paint with slime fighter be OK? Should I check the pencil anodes? Should I spray Adel clamps, copper tubes, and electrical connections with AC-50 or something. This boat looks like the day it was first delivered and I would like to keep it that way. I have seen plenty of salt water boats and I was never too pleased with their condition. Our boat had the bottom stripped and we applied 7 coats of Interprotect 2000 last winter. We followed the barrier coat with 2 coats of the latest version of VC-17. I changed all underwater anodes at that time. I am an experienced mechanic and do all the maintainence so I can handle it all. I just don't know what is needed. HELP.

 

[Fanfare]

Your boat was built for salt water. It will be fine. Just check all the zincs, internal and external, annually. Maybe at six months the first time. Rinse with fresh water at the end of each day. Enjoy it--it's just as waterproof as you are.

Jim Grove (Fanfare)