Late model Suzuki general question

[redaye]

Do the lower cowlings prevent water from contacting that part of the shaft? Earlier models didn't go down as far on the shaft and allowed for clean water wash.

[Harper]

General answer: NO.

[redaye]

I'm kinda anal about washing metal surface areas that get exposed to saltwater. Should I be concerned with inability to wash this area with clean water?

[Harper]

The only single thing that I've seen under the lower cowlings that show any sign of corrosion, is one little nut that is rusting ....it holds a clamp. No corrosion or rust anywhere else. This after 8 years in and out of salt water with no removal of cowlings to rinse down.