Newbie- I/O in Saltwater question

[Dchrisos]

I my have the use of a boat slip in a deep saltwater protected marina in Wilmington on the ICWW if I want for the summer.

My question is without a lift, will I cause damage to rubber components or other parts of the motor (4.3 Mercruiser) whether the motor is in the up position or down? How about if I take it out every few days and flush the motor? (Dry out)

If it's OK to leave it in the water, for how long and what position should I put the motor when not in use?


Thank You

[Dchrisos]

Sorry,
I forgot to say what kind of boat I have, it's a 2006 18 ft Maxum SR3 Mercruiser, Alpha

[mmwjr]

More boats than you think sit in salt water all season for years and last decades. The exhaust needs to be replaced every five years with constant salt water use. The bellows will last about the same.

The drive should always be in the down position else it stresses then and results in premature failure. Also the trim zinc may be out of the water if up and the drive will not be protected.

Not in salt you have to use zinc or aluminum anodes.

[shrew]

I'd be more worried about whether the hull is bottom painted. Make sure you install new zinc's, and keep and eye on them through the season. I replace my bellows every few years. You will need to flush the engine and outdrive when you haul, however there is no reason to haul just to flush it and re-launch it again.