Do I need to service bearings more often if I launch in saltwater?

Yes, if you regularly launch your boat in saltwater, you should service your trailer bearings more often than if you only use them in freshwater. Saltwater is extremely corrosive and can quickly wash away grease, allowing rust and pitting to damage the bearings, races, and seals. Even a small amount of saltwater intrusion can drastically shorten bearing life if not addressed.

Why Saltwater Requires More Frequent Service

• Corrosion Risk – Saltwater accelerates rust, which eats away at metal bearing surfaces.
• Grease Washout – Water breaks down lubrication, leaving bearings exposed to friction.
• Seal Stress – Submerging hot hubs into cold saltwater creates a vacuum effect, often pulling water past seals.
• Higher Failure Rate – Bearings exposed to saltwater without frequent service are far more likely to overheat or fail while towing.

Recommended Maintenance Interval

• All Trailers: Bearings should be inspected, serviced, and/or replaced at least once every 12 months.
• Saltwater Use: In saltwater environments, it’s best to check bearings more frequently — mid-season or every 6 months depending on how often you launch. Frequent checks catch early signs of rust, grease washout, or seal failure before they cause major problems.
• Freshwater Use: Annual service is typically sufficient if seals are intact and grease remains clean.