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This may be a stupid question, but how hard on a BassCat boat and trailer is it to frequent brackish waters?
It is always suggested to thoroughly rinse boat and trailer after use in brackish water. The boat has tinned wire, with sealed connectors in the sump and there should be limited corrosion issues on those assemblies. The boats just require a good rinsing. The trailer harnesses are not tinned and we can not find a tinned trailer harness without having those custom built, which is low volume and very costly. They will degrade faster. The trailer has stainelsss components on hardware, though the brakes, rotors and calipers all need rinsed. The heat from braking increases wear exponentially when salt water is thrown in the system. We use a cadmium plated equalizer and components, though they still age in salt water. The boats used in brackish waters are often first seen evidenced in the bunk brackets where the carpeting holds moisture and people dont flush them with water enough. Those bunk brackets will definitely see first corrosion and it will easily be seen there. Then you have the engine, and those need flushed out when used in brackish water. The southern Louisiana tier of Shell Canal, Blacks Bayou and the marshes really take their toll on the boats, motors and trailers.
Thanks BCB! I want to fish the St. Johns river and was mostly concerned with my trailer. It is a new boat and I didnt want the trailer turned bad in short time. I do have some “salt off” I am going to also try. Just wanted to hear some experience with usage in brackish waters.
Glen, I live in Southeast Louisiana. I fish brackish waters quite a bit. Venice, Delacroix, Lower Atchafalaya spillway and the Bayou black marshes. I owned a Pantera Classic for 14 years and an Eyra for almost 4 years. I will be getting a new Eyra this spring/summer. My experience has been that you have Zero issues to worry about with the boat itself. I never had a Salt Water related issue with my boats at all. The big concern as Bass Cat stated is the trailer. You will see rusting on the bunk board brackets fairly quickly so this has to be a regular check and touch up. The brakes will give you trouble. Calipers will lock up if you dont keep up with them. This is not a Bass Cat specific issue. This is with any trailer including a galvanized one. I am ordering my new one with the aluminum trailer option to help eliminate a few of the concerns but brake parts will always be a high maintenance item in our area. I think the best way to prevent issues is as mentioned always rinse the boat/trailer off thouroughly. Dont put the boat up in the garage for the salt to eat away. Chris CoupelPaulina, La.
Glen – I fished the St Johns for years w/ my 00 Jag with no issues. I made sure to wash and rinse the trailer after every outing. The closer you launch toward the mouth of the river the more particular you will have to be. Now that BCB offers an aluminum trailer option, my next Cat will have one.
Im so excited about the new aluminum trailer option! I cant wait to put mine to the test and get you guys some reviews on the new platform. I know several folks down here who have the option and they will all tell you that it is one of the best things BCB ever did. The trailer is a beast! This is one of the main reasons I am upgrading to a new rig. Chris CoupelPaulina, La.
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