bahamas

PickleRick

So a 25,000 dollar outboard is ok for salt water raw water cooling but not a sub 5000 dollar small block Chevy?  The key is flushing. Granted it still takes its toll.  Manifolds and risers in salt water 3 to 5 years vs many 20+ years on lake boats. 

Lots of groups of trailer sailors, jet skis and the like make the jump.  My uncle who frequented establishments where alcolol was consumed and deals were made to ship goods back and forth used to leave in the middle of the night pi$$ drunk.  They just followed the lights.  This was the 70s.

Its a trip that is also on my bucket list.  Not the smuggling part.  

Many single motors make the jump.  If my set up is reliable and well maintained i wouldn't think twice.  

Even if the weather turns foul and you cannot make the hump there are enough spots up and down the keys to stay occupied for months.

Stodge

They make some outboards for salt water applications.  Flushing is more doable with outboards.  With a bigger boat that has I/O you can't always get the drives all the way out of the water and unless you have a hoist the boats stay wet.

Agree flushing is important.  But I would not take my raw water cooled boat into salt water because it's near impossible to flush it to my satisfaction.

reneechris14

@Stodge you need to come to the salt its not all bad. Many boats down  here are 30 years old and no problems. I agree flushing is good and not always possible. Its not one shot and im an alcoholic.

Stodge

I grew up in Florida and saw what the salt in the air did to the cars.  Guess that made me salt-shy.  

PickleRick

It will be a while before i take my 235 to salt water. I usually rent a boat in the keys.  If i ever repower a closed loop system from Mr cool is going in. @ 1500 bucks for a better running better protected motor.  Heck, toss on another sei outdrive while im at it, order a spare prop to keep under the bed and I'll help organize a group trip across.  Id imagine finding parking around homestead would be easiest.