I have a 1988 33.5 Hunter and would like to take her down the ICW. I am wondering if there is anything I need to do to prepare for saltwater. The boat has always been a fresh water boat and has both an open and closed cooling system. I love this boat. The tall rig is sometimes hard to handle, but the rewards are great. I have added equipment that will add to our safety; radar, GPS, autohelm, refrigeration, wind, depth and speed. I plan on having a mechanic check the boat from stem to stern and make sure everything is in ship shape. Is there anything I need to do the engine to make sure it is protected from the saltwater?
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Anti-siphon vent
I sailed a 33.5 in salt water for five years. She's a fine boat. The only specific I can think of unique to salt water is that salt crystals can accumulate in the anti-siphon vent preventing it from closing and spraying salt water on your engine. It's easy to clean out periodically by soaking it in hot water. I'd also recommend that you know how to service the engine yourself as it relates to changing fuel filters and bleeding the fuel lines of air, adjusting belt tensions, etc. Hope you have a great trip! Gar Wyngarden S/V Wanderlust h37.5
I sailed a 33.5 in salt water for five years. She's a fine boat. The only specific I can think of unique to salt water is that salt crystals can accumulate in the anti-siphon vent preventing it from closing and spraying salt water on your engine. It's easy to clean out periodically by soaking it in hot water. I'd also recommend that you know how to service the engine yourself as it relates to changing fuel filters and bleeding the fuel lines of air, adjusting belt tensions, etc. Hope you have a great trip! Gar Wyngarden S/V Wanderlust h37.5
Check all your engine anodes
For your salt water adventure, replace all your shaft/engine anodes. They eat away at a rapid rate in salt water, especially tied to marina's with suspect electrical systems. Good Luck
For your salt water adventure, replace all your shaft/engine anodes. They eat away at a rapid rate in salt water, especially tied to marina's with suspect electrical systems. Good Luck
Bottom Paint
Have you changed your bottom paint for the fresh/salt water conversion? There are plenty of archives on this topic. Just watch compatibility. Also, you may think about re-routing your head intake water - salt water critters really stink up the holding tank. Engine - anodes are huge!
Have you changed your bottom paint for the fresh/salt water conversion? There are plenty of archives on this topic. Just watch compatibility. Also, you may think about re-routing your head intake water - salt water critters really stink up the holding tank. Engine - anodes are huge!
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