draft on 202

[okiebasser2]

does anyone know the draft on a 95' 202 with a 225 merc. going to florida and do some backwater and flats fishing.

[Lea]

I hope someone knows...the brochure does not say.

[ChampioNman]

I think it is somewhere around 18". If I was going to fish the flats I'd want to go out with a guide that knows how to run that skinny water. The run flats boats made just for that purpose. You should be fine in back waters though just make sure you flush the motor with fresh clean water after you are done. The brackish water has some salt content.

[okiebasser2]

Yes I know about flushing, posted in Merc. board and Don advised merc corrision guard before and after, plus running in fresh water lake, which I will also be fishing the big O and Lake Tarpon.

[iron banks]

I had a 97 202 and it will float in 14 inches.

[pmgoffjr]

EEEEEK....
If you're planning on dunking your non bass n bay in the brine, please advise...

First I'd HIGHLY suggest you do NOT do it. Your trailer will be cancer in six months. That's just the start, then all your bilge wiring will be a gonner, then all your switches behind the panel, then your carpet will vanish before your eyes...that boat simply isn't made or rigged for saltwater use.

However if you decide I'm clueless and full of junk...then please heed:
Every single solitary wire connection should be sealed with liquid tape.
Get some LPS 4 and soak everything (especially hubs and springs) down thoroughly on your trailer, corrosion X the back of your switch panels, and scotch guard your carpet. Then go ahead and post it for sale, it'll be a money pit for ever more afterwards.

[champ223]

Sounds like you have first hand experience pat Or you have some good story's about it

[okiebasser2]

thanks for the heads up, guess I will now be taking my 12' Zodiac with the 15 yamaha, not as much room but will handle salt.Who knows I always wanted to be towed by a bull shark

[pmgoffjr]

You have NO idea what a good decision that is...

I can't tell you how many guys rolled into the shop wanting to trade in a cancer case "only dunked in the brine one time" ....trailers were shot, wiring was gone, just a total mess.

There's a reason saltwater boats are made the way they are, and it takes way more time to properly rig a boat that's going in the ocean, you can't just slam in standard wiring connectors and wave goodbye...