[txmaverick]

Hi all, my name is Mike, from Texas, and I'm new here. I've been in and out of boating for over 20 years. I'm currently out but wanting back in. In all my years of boating, I've always wanted and never had a Mariah. If I do this again, it's going to be an 'Original' Mariah. I'm looking for a 22'-26' bow-rider. I've perused the forums and learned a lot already. You guys are great. I've found a boat for sale (a '98 222 below 200 hrs) that is used in brackish waters. I don't plan on ever entering brackish waters, only fresh. Should I avoid this boat? The boat appears to be taken care of and the owner says that he flushes it after every use. I'm leary since I know nothing about the effects of brackish waters on boats and motors. I've searched the forum but didn't really find any opinions on this matter.

So now for my first question, would you or would you not buy a boat that has been used primarily in brackish waters?

[mikeyt]

Welcome aboard Mike. Personally i dont see a big issue as long as the owner has flushed it regularly but..i'm gonna leave this one to the guys here that have a little more experience than i do with regards to this situation.

[txmaverick]

Thanks Mikey. I did see some discussion about the Bravo outdrives being better suited for salt/brackish waters. This boat has a Bravo III.

[mikeyt]

You are correct that if the boat you are looking at has a Bravo 3 then it should have a Mercathode system already installed. Here's a link to a basic primer on anode/cathode protection i wrote up a while back.