all year round in the sea

[Matjaz]

I plan to replace my old (much smaller and lighter) outboard on a plastic sailboat with 8hp four stroke high thrust electric start Yamaha outboard with remote controls. It will be running in a well from where it is awkward to be removed and taken out of the sea.

My question is, can I keep it in the sea all the year around and only service it once a year during renewing the anti-fouling of the hull within a few days?

Will the anodes keep that long in the salty Adriatic sea? What about the weed? Shall I put antifouling coat on the leg? What type?

I understand that I can flush the motor while in the sea, right? Does it help?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[boats.net]

I wouldn't think even antifouling paint would help for that long of a period.

[Matjaz]

Yes, I am afraid you are right.. But I am thinking about the built-in motors with sail-drive in sailing yachts; I guess this is a similar situation - so I thought it should be possible somehow.

I thought if the weed collects over the winter, it will be cleaned first thing next spring when I renew the antifouling of the hull getting prepared for the new season.

What about the corrosion? That is my real concern.. I do not know how long will anodes hold. Now, I replace them every two years (the motor is app. 6 months in the sea)

[boats.net]

I havn't had any situations like this, but I would keep checking the anodes(if possible) and if you have to add more anodes to lower unit, You can buy universal anodes of different size and shapes that might could be added.

[Matjaz]

Thanks. If nobody else has experience in that, I think I will just try and add anode(s) if necessary.