...something tells me I am that friend
Alex's advice is fantastic Ronia, Follow the course Alex has described and your boat will stay looking new for a long time.
I would add a monthly waxing above the rub-rail, mainly b/c you are washing it more often.
Regarding the freshwater flush, it is imperative that you follow what Alex mentioned about letting the engine run long enough while flushing that it gets warm enough for the thermostat to open. There is also the option to install the closed cooling system if you are really concerned, but it is pricey. Entirely your choice. I bought my boat with the closed system, but I still flush the raw water system after we ride to help keep the risers in better condition. Also saves the impeller from wearing prematurely.
April until Oct eh, that's 6 solid months. My reccomendation of how often to pull and clean the bottom would be once every 8 weeks. Careful after 2-3 washings though, the paint many actually become thin or wear off in spots from the pressure washer and thats a good thing. If you do thin out the paint from washing, your best practice should be to repaint the entire bottom to ensure you have solid protection. small amount of work to save a lot of cleaning in the fall.
Where to put zincs = EASY...Rudder & Shaft.
- Rudder, drill a hole just large enought to accept the bolt for a zinc that's about 2" round, then install. monitor this zinc when you pull the boat for cleaning.
- Shaft, Purchase a zinc for the size shaft you have and install very tight but 5-6" inches forward of the strut.
...and anything else saltwater related so I can keep my boat in good condition?
- Well Ronia, here is one that I can 'almost' put money down on that no one here on WW has ever experienced before or even heard of...
Do a good once over on all of the Electrical grounds in the boat. Dash, motor, batteries, transmission(if applicable) and any other grounds. Salt water has a tendency to better conduct stray electrical current then fresh water. This process is call Electrolysis. Good Grounds will keep your boat from being affected while sitting stagnant during the week or weekends.
The primary reason I say this is that salt environments tend to have a higher moisture content. This moisture leads to corrosion and the reduction of good grounds if they are not clean to start with. Clean them up real good, add some electrical grease for protection and your season will not be interupted by issues like this.
Rinse rinse rinse as Alex mentioned, the more the better!
Got more questions, feel free to email me or post them here.
KG