Re: salt water motors

[Don]

Well, I guess it depends on the manufacturer and the engine. Some of the OMC "Ocean Pro" engines had a better paint job (EDP coated parts) and SS tilt tubes. Some of the exhaust housings were a little different as well in an attempt to alleviate some of the paint peeling at the exhaust hsg/gearcase split line.
Needless to say, these things might help, but the salt water usually wins the battle. In other words, don’t buy a "salt water" motor thinking there will be no corrosion issues. The key is proper lubrication (I’m not talking fuel/oil mix) when the engine is new. I was always so frustrated when dealers never even took the time to grease the fittings, latches, or steering cable properly while rigging new engines. I was never very popular with my poor boss, I used to have new engines in pieces before rigging, in an attempt to give them a fighting chance in the salt water. I still remember customers complaining about grease stains on their new engines, perhaps a few on the boat too I’ll admit. I always told them that grease wipes off/cleans up, torch marks/helicoils are forever!