Swamped or Submerged Outboard Recovery: Why Salt Water Corrodes Quickly & What to Do

Introduction

When your boat's outboard motor gets wet, especially with saltwater, it can lead to severe corrosion issues within hours. This article explains why salt water is particularly harmful and what you should do right away.

Why Salt Water Corrodes Quickly

Saltwater contains sodium chloride (NaCl), which reacts with the metals in your outboard engine's powerhead. The NaCl ions create a corrosive environment that can damage or destroy metal components within hours, leading to costly repairs and downtime.

What to Do Right Now

1. Do Not Start the Engine: This is always the #1 rule when dealing with a submerged outboard engine. Starting the engine could cause further damage by introducing water into critical parts of the system.
2. Drain the Fuel System: Use a portable fuel drain kit to remove as much contaminated fuel from the engine's fuel lines and carburetor as possible. Be cautious not to introduce fresh water or air into the system, which can exacerbate corrosion issues.
3. Flush with Fresh Water: Once you have drained the fuel system, flush it out with clean, fresh water using a high-pressure hose or pump. This helps remove any remaining saltwater and contaminants from the engine's internal components.
4. Contact EEK Mechanical for Professional Assistance: If your boat is located in a marina or near shore, we can dispatch our certified marine technicians to help you recover your outboard motor. Our team will ensure that all contaminated fuel and oil systems are properly drained, flushed, and polished before any further work.

EEK Mechanical's Role

At EEK Mechanical, we specialize in providing swift, professional recovery services for marine vessels. We do not perform general on-site engine rebuilds or workshop fuel system recovery. Our certified technicians will drain, flush, and polish the contaminated fuel or oil system at your vessel's berth, mooring, or ramp.

What to Do Next

If you suspect that your outboard motor has been submerged or swamped with saltwater, contact EEK Mechanical immediately. We can provide a full itemised quote from our Rate Card and ensure that the recovery process is completed safely and efficiently.

Conclusion

Submerged or swamped outboards are serious issues that require prompt attention to prevent further damage. By following these steps and contacting EEK Mechanical for professional assistance, you can minimize the risk of costly repairs and downtime. Remember: do not start the engine until a qualified technician has assessed the situation.