Using a wakeboard boat on salt water?

[j3r3m7]

I've just moved to a new marina on the Severn estuary near Bristol and was wondering what I need to do to my Ski Brendella boat to use it on the estuary/sea...

I fully understand that I may need to change boats but am thinking that I might be able to get out on extremely flat days with my current setup. I'm looking at getting a mooring so am wondering if I need to hook up a fresh water cooling circuit etc...

Anyone got experience of using a std Mastercraft like boat in and out of a sea marina?

[boarditup]

Zinc anodes on the shaft and rudder. Two 1,100 gph bilge pumps, wired separately with separate outlets. Very calm days on the water. Closed circuit cooling with freshwater flushing connections. Second battery and battery switch. Handheld VHF radio.

Have fun.

[j3r3m7]

Now that's a comprehensive and fast reply, thanks very much. I think I may also get myself on a navigation course as well for good measure.

Thanks again...

[Tower_boy]

Hey Jeremy don't go overboard, its only the UK!

Unlike the US you won't need a VHF, your phone will be fine (unless you plan on driving to ireland :wink:

So long as you have a working bilge you are set.. you can use your boat in salt water now, BUT you will lose value on it, you need to weigh this up:

Closed water cooling £2000 against value of boat and how long you are going to keep it for.

Check http://www.orcamarine.com/ thier systems are very widely used and not too hard on the wallet.

If it were me i'd just sell the boat and look for either a sterndrive or a used mc 205 or nautique 2001 - or budget allowing a new v drive deeper v wakeboard boat.

Let us know how it goes

Mike

[j3r3m7]

Yeah, I'm kind of weighing up the options at the mo. I'm thinking I need to get a berth sorted before they sell out and then sort the boat part of the equation next season. It would be nice to go for a burn however, if we actually have some nice weather over the Autumn/Winter. A couple of years ago we had an awesome session at the lake in early January... taters on the feet however.

Radio wise I think I might have to get one to tell the lock keeper I need letting out ;-) It's quite a cool setup at my new house, still a big building site, but should be great when finished. If I can get a decent location in the marina I should be able to walk to my boat in 2 mins flat ;-)

I guess I need a boat that can zip me down the coast to find some flatish water... even across to Cardiff or down to Ilfracombe for a surf. Have you sold any towers to Sea Ray or similar owners?

[Tower_boy]

They are 80% of my customers... only like 20% have inboards like your brendella. Most people in the UK use a sea ray, maxum, bayliner, glastron etc..

A side note - my boat is now officially for sale, its a 2000, maxum 1800sr with the 4.3 alpha drive and stainless 5 blade prop, stereo, tower, racks, full canvas pack, roller coaster trailer etc...
Listed for £15-15.5k (just a thought 8) )