Hello collective, I have a 2001 Hunter 320. Due to drought in Kansas and a job change it's been in a cradle for 2 years (isn't that sad?). I'm moving the boat to Seattle soon, and need some help! What are all the things I need to do to the boat to "convert" it from fresh water to salt water use? I'm sure there is more to it than adding a zinc. Are there any considerations regarding the through-hulls, engine cooling system or air conditioning system? I added an anti-biological agent and a fuel preservative to the diesel tank when I winterized 2 years ago. I'd guess there are about 8 gallons in the tank. Will this fuel be okay after so long sitting or will I need to drain the tank and fuel lines? What needs to be done to the engine after so long sitting? I suspect I need to replace the impeller on the water pump, change the oil and all filters...what else? Any other tips about the change from fresh water to salt water? Any other thoughts on "reactivating" a boat after 2 years of sitting? Thanks 1,000,000! Joe
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Joe, your only problem was being from Kansas City
I jest,,,Kidding! OK, You own a boat designed for a market that could be in salt or fresh water. So it's designed for either one. That's so the builder stays in business. Just think about what needs to be done because the boat has not been used for so long. The obvious is, get rid of the old fuel. The impeller might be OK, but, hey, they're cheap, change it. Don't worry about the through hulls. Just check for leaks after launching. This is assuming you changed the oil and filter. Not much else to worry about.
I jest,,,Kidding! OK, You own a boat designed for a market that could be in salt or fresh water. So it's designed for either one. That's so the builder stays in business. Just think about what needs to be done because the boat has not been used for so long. The obvious is, get rid of the old fuel. The impeller might be OK, but, hey, they're cheap, change it. Don't worry about the through hulls. Just check for leaks after launching. This is assuming you changed the oil and filter. Not much else to worry about.
Obviously, Bottom Painting is required
Based upon what you were using in fresh water, you may need to use a different paint in the salt water. What was on it? There may be some consideration required in the Northwest.
Based upon what you were using in fresh water, you may need to use a different paint in the salt water. What was on it? There may be some consideration required in the Northwest.
Good point, Paul
Joe, you didn't say where you will moore. Salt or fresh. Anybody have any suggestions for an ablative saltwater northwest paint? I've got Micron 44 tin now. But next time, I obviously won't be able to buy it in the Caribbean. (Joe can moore on fresh water. Seattle is built around the biggest lake(s) in the state)
Joe, you didn't say where you will moore. Salt or fresh. Anybody have any suggestions for an ablative saltwater northwest paint? I've got Micron 44 tin now. But next time, I obviously won't be able to buy it in the Caribbean. (Joe can moore on fresh water. Seattle is built around the biggest lake(s) in the state)
I'll be in salt water
which is why I was wondering about all the steps needed to "convert" from fresh to salt (other than adding zinc). What is the affect on through hulls, and the engine and air conditioner systems which have been using fresh water? (I know, a/c in Seattle? Good thing it functions as a heat pump too!) It needs bottom paint, and I know I need some input from the locals before making that decision. Thanks everyone for the replies!
which is why I was wondering about all the steps needed to "convert" from fresh to salt (other than adding zinc).
What is the affect on through hulls, and the engine and air conditioner systems which have been using fresh water? (I know, a/c in Seattle? Good thing it functions as a heat pump too!) It needs bottom paint, and I know I need some input from the locals before making that decision. Thanks everyone for the replies!
Joe, welcome
Don't worry about the engine and A/C system, or for that matter, what's under water. It was all made to be 'marine', so it will be fine. What you DO have to worry about is your top side gear when it is exposed to salt water. Get it off. The sooner the better. Nothing that moves or stands will be happy for long when salt dries and wicks into it. (if it ever dries) We have added a deck wash to our H34, so we can remove salt spray while gunkholing. Most northwest salt sailors have a garden hose permanently mounted on their slips ready for action. And Joe,,,,you are going to love it here. What brought you?
Don't worry about the engine and A/C system, or for that matter, what's under water. It was all made to be 'marine', so it will be fine. What you DO have to worry about is your top side gear when it is exposed to salt water. Get it off. The sooner the better. Nothing that moves or stands will be happy for long when salt dries and wicks into it. (if it ever dries) We have added a deck wash to our H34, so we can remove salt spray while gunkholing. Most northwest salt sailors have a garden hose permanently mounted on their slips ready for action. And Joe,,,,you are going to love it here.
What brought you?A bit of luck
Thanks for the welcome, Fred! We've been trying to get out here for about 3 years. We'd vacationed in Seattle several times and started looking for work and found none. Then the company I worked for in KC was acquired by a company based in Seattle, and I requested a transfer The only downside is I'm footing the moving bill, but I know it will be worth it to get out of that Kansas mudhole I used to do circles in!
Thanks for the welcome, Fred! We've been trying to get out here for about 3 years. We'd vacationed in Seattle several times and started looking for work and found none. Then the company I worked for in KC was acquired by a company based in Seattle, and I requested a transfer
The only downside is I'm footing the moving bill, but I know it will be worth it to get out of that Kansas mudhole I used to do circles in!check your battery
Joe, after 2 years of non use you will likely need to replace batteries.About time any way,so not big deal.Re commising the systems will be the same reguardless of salt or fresh water.All other answers were good so not much else to add.Might also think about changing the anti freeze either now or in the near future (assume fresh water cooled engine)Good Luck !
Joe, after 2 years of non use you will likely need to replace batteries.About time any way,so not big deal.Re commising the systems will be the same reguardless of salt or fresh water.All other answers were good so not much else to add.Might also think about changing the anti freeze either now or in the near future (assume fresh water cooled engine)Good Luck !
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